as in obstacles
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the homeowner put up a fence around his garden as a deterrent for animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deterrents
While reducing ship speeds can protect whales from collisions, establishing fishing exclusion zones and using acoustic deterrents can prevent dolphins from becoming entangled in nets.
—
Rodrigo Tardin, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
By March 2024, the state had already spent $3 million reimbursing ranchers for damages caused by wolves throughout the northern part of the state, as well as the cost of investing in nonlethal deterrents to keep them away, such as fencing, flags and other methods.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
In recent years, swimmers, divers, and surfers, including Fox’s swim club, have turned to electromagnetic devices or other shark deterrents.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
Natural deterrents like peppermint oil and ultrasonic repellents can also help to keep mice out.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 7 Jan. 2026
Combine several smells or use smells in addition to other deterrents.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
The associated stigmas that come alongside having an addiction and needing help are both deterrents for acknowledging the problem and seeking support.
—Sarah Allen Benton, SELF, 23 Dec. 2025
However, if public pressure persists, the NFL could either broaden existing roughing definitions, adopt an embellishment rule, or use medical-protocol triggers as deterrents — any of which would change how quarterbacks, defenders, and officials operate going forward.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025
From Asia to Europe, countries are investing in hypersonic platforms as both deterrents and strategic equalizers, accelerating a global race.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025
Rodrigo Tardin, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
By March 2024, the state had already spent $3 million reimbursing ranchers for damages caused by wolves throughout the northern part of the state, as well as the cost of investing in nonlethal deterrents to keep them away, such as fencing, flags and other methods.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
In recent years, swimmers, divers, and surfers, including Fox’s swim club, have turned to electromagnetic devices or other shark deterrents.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
Natural deterrents like peppermint oil and ultrasonic repellents can also help to keep mice out.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 7 Jan. 2026
Combine several smells or use smells in addition to other deterrents.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
The associated stigmas that come alongside having an addiction and needing help are both deterrents for acknowledging the problem and seeking support.
—Sarah Allen Benton, SELF, 23 Dec. 2025
However, if public pressure persists, the NFL could either broaden existing roughing definitions, adopt an embellishment rule, or use medical-protocol triggers as deterrents — any of which would change how quarterbacks, defenders, and officials operate going forward.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025
From Asia to Europe, countries are investing in hypersonic platforms as both deterrents and strategic equalizers, accelerating a global race.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrents
Noun
-
Institutions were obstacles to be blamed or bypassed.—
Philip Martin,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Ladders can help fish circumvent these obstacles, but learning to navigate them can take the animals days.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The 35% analyst upside projection appears optimistic given the structural hurdles.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Financing hurdles In April, the City Council created a special tax district to help pay for the Stitch.—
Zachary Hansen,
AJC.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada and China reached a preliminary deal to remove trade barriers and lower tariffs.—
Terri Cullen,
CNBC,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Geographic barriers and limited profit potential have long discouraged private internet service providers from these areas, thus necessitating public investment.—
Letters to the Editor,
Oc Register,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
These signs usually indicate several issues like clogs and obstructions or worn out parts.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
11 Dec. 2025
-
Do yourself a favor and take the time to properly inspect the machine, tighten any fasteners, check for wear on the rotor paddles, scrapers, and skid shoes, and ensure that the auger and chute are free of obstructions.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deterrents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrents. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
