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
Some say it’s intended to discourage unauthorized migration.
—
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025
Trump officials have also discouraged some federal agencies from recognizing other racial heritage celebrations.
—Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
Her early jump into campaigning beginning in November 2023, and prolific fundraising, may have given Spanberger the advantage needed to discourage any potential challengers from even trying, said Professor David Richards, chair of the political science department at the University of Lynchburg.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Perhaps women might just have a greater tendency to name-drop some of the above nonspecific symptoms while describing their situation—which could discourage doctors from fairly considering a ministroke diagnosis.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025
Trump officials have also discouraged some federal agencies from recognizing other racial heritage celebrations.
—Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
Her early jump into campaigning beginning in November 2023, and prolific fundraising, may have given Spanberger the advantage needed to discourage any potential challengers from even trying, said Professor David Richards, chair of the political science department at the University of Lynchburg.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Perhaps women might just have a greater tendency to name-drop some of the above nonspecific symptoms while describing their situation—which could discourage doctors from fairly considering a ministroke diagnosis.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
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Retailers have sought to prevent theft without compromising the customer experience as traditional approaches such as locking up products can frustrate shoppers and have been found to lower sales.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
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A number of Republicans are becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of tariff deals from President Trump two weeks away from a July 8 deadline that could lead to the reinstating of heavy tariffs on imports from around the world.—
Alex Gangitano,
The Hill,
22 June 2025
Verb
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Stagnant incomes, instability over job prospects and a poor social security system have dissuaded Chinese young people from having more babies.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
21 June 2025
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Khamenei himself was in Israel’s crosshairs, although President Donald Trump dissuaded the Israelis from assassinating him, fearing an even deeper escalation.—
Daniel DePetris,
Twin Cities,
20 June 2025
Verb
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When Chinese critics of the government speak out, they are regularly harassed and intimidated — even in our country, where Chinese dissidents have been threatened by agents of their government.—
Jovante Teague,
Sun Sentinel,
17 June 2025
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An escalation in political violence The shootings come as political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated amid deep political divisions.—
Obed Lamy,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2025
Verb
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Adding to Martin’s problems is that Harris raised a historic $1 billion in just three months of running for president, but reportedly finished the campaign with $20 million in debt, which could deter donors from opening their wallets again.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
21 June 2025
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These delays choke off supply, raise energy and housing costs, and deter private investment.—
Andrew Langer,
Boston Herald,
21 June 2025
Verb
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Understanding that misplacing items is a challenge daunting everyone – from reckless youth to sleepless parents, busy young adults, and the elderly – FindR stickers come in a kaleidoscope of sizes, colors, and finishes.—
Ethan Stone,
USA TODAY,
17 Jan. 2025
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Those hurdles don’t seem to be daunting Chinese carmakers, who exported 441,000 EVs, including hybrids, in the first quarter of this year, up more than 40% from the same period last year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
Verb
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May 9, 2024 Gary Usher, a songwriter who worked with Landy, told state investigators that Wilson was a virtual captive, manipulated by a man who frightened and intimidated him.—
Steve Marble,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2025
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Today, movies and TV intended for the biggest audience possible often water down their storytelling and generalize in order to avoid anything that might challenge, frighten or unsettle the audience.—
Alissa Wilkinson,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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