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
The high cost of education also discourage graduates from entering public or rural practice, where salaries are typically lower.
—
Sixteen Ramos, AZCentral.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Carpenter bee holes may also be caulked to try and discourage further nesting.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
Aarnav Sathish, a high school senior, said his teachers strictly discourage AI in the classroom.
—Susan Caminiti, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025
His father, Troy Adams, a driving coach and former NASCAR driver, had briefly discouraged the idea of becoming a race car driver, knowing the expense would be a factor, but soon came around.
—Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Sixteen Ramos, AZCentral.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Carpenter bee holes may also be caulked to try and discourage further nesting.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
Aarnav Sathish, a high school senior, said his teachers strictly discourage AI in the classroom.
—Susan Caminiti, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025
His father, Troy Adams, a driving coach and former NASCAR driver, had briefly discouraged the idea of becoming a race car driver, knowing the expense would be a factor, but soon came around.
—Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
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There were rumors Williams was frustrated with how the Jets were playing, and one can’t blame him, having been part of seven straight losing seasons.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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The deadlock has put a pall over Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are frustrated, staffers aren’t getting paid, and the mood is dark, even compared to shutdowns of years past.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The first vehicle to bear the Beast name was destroyed in a fire in the early 1970s, but Dodd wouldn’t let that dissuade him.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
10 Nov. 2025
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Prosecutors said a Reno man was indicted for two counts of making criminal threats and two counts of attempting to dissuade a witness.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Millions of seniors stuck due to accessibility issues For seniors today, finding the right place to live out the rest of their lives is intimidating for a number of reasons.—
Sydney Franklin,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Nov. 2025
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Indeed, one of General George Washington’s greatest achievements was to avoid being cornered and forced to capitulate to these intimidating legions in the war’s early years.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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China has undertaken a massive expansion of sites linked to missile production since 2020, bolstering its ability to potentially deter the US military and assert its dominance in the region, a new CNN analysis of satellite images, maps and government notices reveals.—
Tamara Qiblawi,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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All three nuclear powers have established their own nuclear triad, consisting of ICBMs, submarines armed with ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable aircraft, which ensure their forces can survive a first strike and retaliate, thereby deterring a nuclear attack.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Selling out a popular venue like The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) on a windy Wednesday night in the middle of a daunting recession ain’t easy.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
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The Giants' upcoming schedule looks daunting for head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, who desperately need to add some wins to their resume before the end of the season.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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These political executions are a callous attempt by the authorities to frighten and silence an increasingly restive population no longer willing to accept their corrupt and oppressive rule.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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Tens of millions of dollars have been spent to redefine reality and to convince our neighbors that this new age is something that should frighten them.—
TIME Video,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
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