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
Industrial logging routinely limits access, and visual blight discourages recreation.
—
Evan Mills, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026
Use Gravel or Fences as Barriers Deer are a common carrier of ticks, and creating a barrier can discourage them from entering your property.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 15 Mar. 2026
This means there is no immediate reason for the government to discourage travel to the country.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026
Create a wide buffer of bare, dry soil around the garden to discourage more cutworms from entering.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Evan Mills, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026
Use Gravel or Fences as Barriers Deer are a common carrier of ticks, and creating a barrier can discourage them from entering your property.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 15 Mar. 2026
This means there is no immediate reason for the government to discourage travel to the country.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026
Create a wide buffer of bare, dry soil around the garden to discourage more cutworms from entering.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
-
After a fall that left so many fan bases frustrated, this is a spring worth celebrating.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Meanwhile, American consumers are already frustrated by the high cost of living.—
Brian Cheung,
NBC news,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The difficulty of challenging an arbitrator’s award sometimes dissuades the losing party from spending the time and money necessary to mount a viable challenge.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Fearing becoming a target, landlords have been hiking apartment rents to dissuade new tenants.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Virginia never looked intimidated despite last month’s blowout loss.—
Steve Reed,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
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They are intimidated by his beauty and coolness, and keeping driving up to the window.—
Andy Hoglund,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The United States for decades has pledged full military -- including nuclear -- protection for its allies and stations about 28,000 troops in South Korea to deter North Korea.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
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McDonnell said the department was increasing visibility, strengthening enforcement and expanding partnerships to deter criminal activity in the area and hold offenders accountable.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The immigration process seemed daunting.—
Carisa Crawford Chappell,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
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With a camera attached directly to a telescope, small, faint objects — such as distant galaxies and planetary nebulae — come into view, though the equipment required can be daunting.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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His dribbling, direct running style and finishing frighten defenders and light up the biggest stages.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The piercing sunlight frightens her.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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