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
Relevance
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
Nick Serrano, Gloria’s deputy chief of staff, says there has also been a concerted effort by the administration to discourage department heads from hiring program managers and program coordinators unless absolutely necessary.
—
David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Body pillows or rolled towels on either side of your torso discourage unconscious rolling during the night.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026
Body pillows or rolled towels on either side of your torso discourage your body from rolling during the night.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
These create a gentle barrier that discourages unconscious rolling during the night.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Body pillows or rolled towels on either side of your torso discourage unconscious rolling during the night.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026
Body pillows or rolled towels on either side of your torso discourage your body from rolling during the night.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
These create a gentle barrier that discourages unconscious rolling during the night.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
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So if you’re frustrated by high streaming fees, this merger is a nightmare.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
15 Apr. 2026
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Trump’s war with Iran, attacks on Pope Leo XIV, and a Jesus meme have frustrated some young conservatives, including longtime supporters who question his focus.—
Bill Barrow,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Abeln said the coalition is concerned that the presence of immigration officers in courthouse parking lots will dissuade others — even citizens — from going to the building for hearings or to handle typical business like traffic tickets.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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Those not dissuaded by this fact will also get a chance to help out a good cause.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Rob Johnson, 48, was intimidated stepping onto Red Rocks’ campus in 2024, surrounded by younger people fresh out of high school.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
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So far, four different men have had at least a share of the lead with Augusta’s intimidating back nine looming in the late afternoon.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Ahead of the draft April 23-25, Miami has some intriguing names on its depth chart at the position, but none that rise to the level of deterring the team from finding a talented rookie tight end.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2026
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The defense minister detailed an operation involving a Royal Navy frigate, a Royal Air Force patrol plane and hundreds of personnel deployed to deter a trio of Russian submarines that were detected near underwater cables in Britain’s economic exclusionary zone.—
Robert McGreevy,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While vinegar pies may sound daunting, this apple cider vinegar pie is bursting with tang and sweetness.—
Abby Fribush,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
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While its 209-minute runtime may be daunting, the film moves along at an entertaining clip (thanks in part to master editor Thelma Schoonmaker), and the viewer's patience is rewarded with a haunting conclusion that recontextualizes all that came before.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There’s no surefire way to frighten bees and other stinger pollinators from your home, but there are ways to make your living space less attractive to them.—
Asia London Palomba,
The Spruce,
7 Apr. 2026
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When to see a doctor Ashamalla stressed that people shouldn’t be frightened by every ache or pain.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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