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
Such tactics are not prohibited outright but are often discouraged, including by federal trainers, in part because using them for a prolonged time risks asphyxiation.
—
Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 13 Jan. 2026
Witnesses have regularly posted video of federal officers using tear gas to discourage the public from following them.
—Rebecca Santana, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Witnesses have regularly posted video of federal officers using tear gas to discourage the public from following them.
—Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Those who charge that mail ballots are not secure undermine confidence in elections, without proof, and discourage participation, erode trust, and weaken the very foundations of self-government.
—Coalition, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 13 Jan. 2026
Witnesses have regularly posted video of federal officers using tear gas to discourage the public from following them.
—Rebecca Santana, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Witnesses have regularly posted video of federal officers using tear gas to discourage the public from following them.
—Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Those who charge that mail ballots are not secure undermine confidence in elections, without proof, and discourage participation, erode trust, and weaken the very foundations of self-government.
—Coalition, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
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Many shoppers have grown frustrated with rising luxury prices and perceived declines in quality, while others increasingly buy directly from brands rather than through department stores.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
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That plan, which surely won’t excite a fanbase already frustrated with a quiet offseason, would also have to come with a right-handed platoon bat, as Domínguez is a switch-hitter who is better from the left side.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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No amount of criticism dissuaded him and his fans from believing that Earth has been visited repeatedly by beings from Outer Space, and will be again in the future.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2026
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Maybe this latest reminder that Davis is injury-prone is enough to dissuade the Hawks from doing the wrong thing.—
Michael Cunningham,
AJC.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Ryan Thornton, 37, of Racine, was initially charged in October in Dane County with stalking and misdemeanor counts of intimidating a victim and disorderly conduct.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
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Salerno claims her team was disqualified from the following meet, and then began to face intimidating stares from the trans athlete at public events.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Pruning excess fruit helps trees produce larger and more flavorful nectarines, while companion planting with scented herbs can deter common fruit tree pests, like aphids and spider mites.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Jan. 2026
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To prevent smells and damage from bugs and moths, store your coats with cedar chips or lavender, as these naturally deter pests.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Moore’s task against Indiana’s stifling defense would have been daunting even with all his weapons.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
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Wildcats coach Steven Colletes said facing Oak Ridge is daunting but also good preparation with the postseason approaching.—
Buddy Collings,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Secretary of State called the event an attempt to frighten public servants.—
Jack Perry,
The Providence Journal,
9 Jan. 2026
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But monks there complained that the slain king was walking around at night, frightening them with strange sounds.—
Rivka Galchen,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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