as in obstacles
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the homeowner put up a fence around his garden as a deterrent for animals
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Recent Examples of deterrents
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices also said in an early July report mortgage rates are one of the main deterrents for both home buyers and sellers.
—
Sydney Lake, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Wealthier Japan and South Korea have struggled to lift their fertility rates, as younger generations cite shifting social attitudes, long work hours, and workplace barriers for mothers as deterrents to starting families.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
But even if Ross changed his mind and decided to sell majority interest in the franchise, there would deterrents because of tax law.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
Many of these security upgrades were accelerated by pandemic protocols and have continued as permanent deterrents.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025
That success rate was about two and a half times the 2023 average, which hovers around ten percent in Colorado and serves as one of the discipline’s chief deterrents.
—Devon O’Neil, Outside, 15 Oct. 2025
Just be sure to apply deterrents regularly, as many are washed away by rain and melting snow and don’t last long.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
Officials in both countries say modernization of their undersea deterrents is critical as adversaries develop new anti-ship and missile defense systems.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025
This can include receipts for deterrents, photos or other documents.
—Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Sydney Lake, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Wealthier Japan and South Korea have struggled to lift their fertility rates, as younger generations cite shifting social attitudes, long work hours, and workplace barriers for mothers as deterrents to starting families.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
But even if Ross changed his mind and decided to sell majority interest in the franchise, there would deterrents because of tax law.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
Many of these security upgrades were accelerated by pandemic protocols and have continued as permanent deterrents.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025
That success rate was about two and a half times the 2023 average, which hovers around ten percent in Colorado and serves as one of the discipline’s chief deterrents.
—Devon O’Neil, Outside, 15 Oct. 2025
Just be sure to apply deterrents regularly, as many are washed away by rain and melting snow and don’t last long.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
Officials in both countries say modernization of their undersea deterrents is critical as adversaries develop new anti-ship and missile defense systems.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025
This can include receipts for deterrents, photos or other documents.
—Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrents
Noun
-
Sununu ultimately prevailed in his 2002 Senate campaign, but not without criticism and obstacles from the pro-Israel lobby due to his voting record, which some Jewish organizations and leaders perceived as anti-Israel.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Nov. 2025
-
With fewer obstacles in the air than on the road, autonomous flight might actually prove safer than driving.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The landfill project has faced several hurdles and drawn the ire of residents since 2024, when Chisholm filed an application for a permit.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Oct. 2025
-
And, concerning for people who are getting left behind, the US government began pushing safety-net programs in the opposite direction, reducing benefits and increasing hurdles to access support.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Ayiku adds that this approach reduces transportation barriers, preserves dignity, and guarantees accessibility for all applicants.—
Ronny Maye,
Essence,
31 Oct. 2025
-
At-large Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera commended Patterson for breaking barriers in conjunction with delivering results.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The tablets will also note street obstructions.—
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
30 Oct. 2025
-
If possible, position yourself in a flat, open area with minimal tree cover, rocks, cliffs, or other obstructions that may block the sound of the whistle.—
Owen Clarke,
Outside,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deterrents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrents. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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