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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discourage
In hot, sunny weather, protect new transplants with row cover or overturned pots to discourage wilting and dieback.
—
Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 10 May 2026
Framework fell into place last month on changes meant to further discourage tanking, and the league's Board of Governors is expected to ratify that plan in the next few weeks — with general managers meeting in Chicago on Tuesday to discuss them presumably for one last time.
—CBS News, 10 May 2026
NestWatch discourages watering planters containing nests because this can lower the temperature of the eggs.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Not that such defensive Bermuda triangles always discourage Pastrnak.
—Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 10 May 2026
Framework fell into place last month on changes meant to further discourage tanking, and the league's Board of Governors is expected to ratify that plan in the next few weeks — with general managers meeting in Chicago on Tuesday to discuss them presumably for one last time.
—CBS News, 10 May 2026
NestWatch discourages watering planters containing nests because this can lower the temperature of the eggs.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Not that such defensive Bermuda triangles always discourage Pastrnak.
—Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
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As mentioned, lounges are often overcrowded, and taking up more than your fair share of space can frustrate fellow travelers.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
13 May 2026
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Prices are rising at a time when Americans are already frustrated by the high cost of living.—
Paul Wiseman,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
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These events shouldn't necessarily dissuade passengers from setting sail, health experts add.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
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Curiel also declined to dismiss causes of action against three of the deputy’s supervisors, who are accused of knowing the female deputy failed to return to the scene and had dissuaded Quinones from providing assistance.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Verb
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The massive frame and comically long wingspan of Victor Wembanyama seemed to intimidate Randle, who spent most possessions either deferring to his teammates or forcing his own shot.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2026
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To stand a chance, Cîrstea had to refuse to be intimidated by Sabalenka’s phenomenally powerful hitting and considerable aura.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
Verb
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One of the best ways to deter these troublesome insects is to lure them away from your zucchini crops by planting Hubbard squash nearby as a trap crop.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2026
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Hamaguchi regulars shouldn’t be deterred, but Efira argues that, true to All of a Sudden’s spirit, all should walk in with their hearts and minds open.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
Verb
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But the Bills’ homestretch looks daunting.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
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Leaders and managers are facing the daunting reality of keeping up with the pace of emerging tech, while at the same time ensuring reliability, trust, and safety are upheld.—
Rachel Wells,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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But the future Hall of Famer is coming off ACL surgery, might lack mobility, and has a receiving corps that frightens nobody.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
15 May 2026
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This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.—
Thomas L. Friedman,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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