as in dissuades
to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action
we tried to deter him from his crazy scheme, but to no avail
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 deters
Another benefit is this deters rodents from digging up your bulbs, says Thurmon.
—
Lauren David, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026
Rosemary enhances the Brussel sprout's flavor when planted nearby, and deters certain insects from feasting on the miniature bulbs.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
Collective action deters bullies Harvard never stood alone.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026
The presence of thimerosal deters growth of any germs.
—Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 30 Jan. 2026
Locke argued that the perception of cooperation between local police and ICE undermines community trust and deters people from contacting law enforcement.
—Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson, San Antonio Express-News, 24 Jan. 2026
This attitude keeps women at a lower pay and deters the enforcement of policies that could initiate change, Milton said.
—Alison Saldanha, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026
Watchman Trail in Zion National Park, Utah The dry heat that typically deters hikers from southern Utah in the summer is long gone by the winter months.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026
Judges and others have expressed concern that the practice deters defendants from showing up to court, but the president and his allies say is necessary to apprehend those living in the country illegally.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025
Lauren David, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026
Rosemary enhances the Brussel sprout's flavor when planted nearby, and deters certain insects from feasting on the miniature bulbs.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
Collective action deters bullies Harvard never stood alone.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026
The presence of thimerosal deters growth of any germs.
—Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 30 Jan. 2026
Locke argued that the perception of cooperation between local police and ICE undermines community trust and deters people from contacting law enforcement.
—Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson, San Antonio Express-News, 24 Jan. 2026
This attitude keeps women at a lower pay and deters the enforcement of policies that could initiate change, Milton said.
—Alison Saldanha, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026
Watchman Trail in Zion National Park, Utah The dry heat that typically deters hikers from southern Utah in the summer is long gone by the winter months.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026
Judges and others have expressed concern that the practice deters defendants from showing up to court, but the president and his allies say is necessary to apprehend those living in the country illegally.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deters
Verb
-
The tension between the audience wanting the best for Siaja while her community dissuades her is key to North of North’s appeal, and that all comes down to how strongly Lambe anchors the series around her.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2025
-
Taking away automatic renewal also dissuades employers from offering jobs to H-4 holders out of concerns about potential employment gaps, Peddibhotla added.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Foliage has a waxy covering that repels pests and discourages disease.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
27 Feb. 2026
-
In areas with a higher number of HPAI detections, such as Amarillo and Lubbock, the department discourages the public from feeding wildlife, including using bird feeders.—
Faith Bugenhagen,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deters. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
