Synonyms of discourage

discourage

verb

di-ˈskər-ij 

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

• frustrate
• intimidate
• daunt
• frighten
• dishearten
• scare
• demoralize
• bother
• dispirit
• dismay
• unnerve
• worry
• try
• browbeat
• trouble
• afflict
• horrify
• weigh
• chill
• throw cold water on
• undermine
• depress
• bully
• unman
• distress
• weaken
• cow
• dampen
• deaden
• sadden
• irk
• vex
• debilitate
• damp
• enfeeble

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourage
• nerve
• steel
• enforce
• cheer
• reinforce
• assure
• embolden
• strengthen
• enliven
• hearten
• animate
• stimulate
• reassure
• fortify
• provoke
• buoy (up)
• gladden
• inspire
• invigorate
• excite
• lift
• stir
• energize
• boost
• quicken
• rally
• galvanize

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

• dissuade
• deter
• inhibit
• divert
• repel
• unsell

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourage
• persuade
• urge
• egg (on)
• induce
• exhort
• prompt
• goad
• prod
• impel

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of discourage

His ideas are later used to discourage violently spearing food with a knife, and instead promote the pacifist chopstick. — New York Times, 17 July 2026

For him, discouraging such behavior is a preventative measure that can help reduce human trafficking. — Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026

The city announcement discouraged prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity and recommended people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers keep outdoor activities brief, move physical activities indoors or reschedule them. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2026

Google used its market position to discourage device makers from promoting or pre-loading non-Google app stores and attempted to hide that conduct. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026