1
as in to frustrate
to lessen the courage or confidence of
I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to dissuade
to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action
the higher fines may help discourage drivers from speeding on the highway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discourage
The increase in fees has discouraged H-1B visa requests, according to court filings.
—
Reuters, NBC news, 8 June 2026
Sour feelings among some donors Harris' 2024 presidential campaign burned through more than $1 billion in 15 weeks -- which some fundraisers said has discouraged them from giving large sums to campaigns going forward.
—Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 8 June 2026
For instance, the federal permitting process is notoriously long and costly, discouraging the development of domestic production capacity.
—Wayne Winegarden, Oc Register, 7 June 2026
Here’s how to discourage carpenter bees from making their homes in yours.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Reuters, NBC news, 8 June 2026
Sour feelings among some donors Harris' 2024 presidential campaign burned through more than $1 billion in 15 weeks -- which some fundraisers said has discouraged them from giving large sums to campaigns going forward.
—Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 8 June 2026
For instance, the federal permitting process is notoriously long and costly, discouraging the development of domestic production capacity.
—Wayne Winegarden, Oc Register, 7 June 2026
Here’s how to discourage carpenter bees from making their homes in yours.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
-
Councilmember Nithya Raman on Wednesday cast the November mayoral runoff as a choice between change and the status quo, arguing that Los Angeles voters are frustrated with City Hall and ready for new leadership.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
11 June 2026
-
His futile dreams of Mexico were not a metaphor for a life frustrated by unresolved dreams.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Potential suitors will not be dissuaded from coming in for him this summer, however.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
-
The idea here is to dissuade teams from prolonging their rebuilds.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
While recognizing peaceful protest as a constitutional right, the judges said actions that disrupt public life, block roads, intimidate others or interfere with constitutional processes do not enjoy legal protection.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 June 2026
-
As of June 6, Platner stands accused of laying hands on one named woman, and of intimidating behavior against two other women who thus far have not been named.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
More than 60 local, county and state law enforcement agencies in places where the games will be held recently completed a first-of-its-kind federal training program to help detect and deter the unauthorized presence of drones near World Cup sites and related fan events.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
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Its anti-theft features include locking zippers that deter thieves, cut-resistant straps, and an interior that’s built with RFID protection.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Sorting through piles of jewelry can feel daunting because many pieces look similar.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
6 June 2026
-
As ballot returns continue to trickle in after Tuesday’s primary for governor, Democrat Tom Steyer faces daunting math to reach the general election.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
What frightens scientists more than the sheer numbers are that the cuts are arbitrary and manifestly pernicious.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
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Dolma told me that when the wind turbines were being built, their noise frightened her livestock and carried across the valley, disturbing neighbors during windy times.—
Sanggay Tashi,
The Conversation,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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