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

Plus, fear of judgment can discourage people from seeking care in the first place. — Philip A. Chan, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026

The expert panel also found insufficient data to set strict healthy reference ranges for the abundance of individual microbial species, and discouraged testing companies from offering therapeutic advice based on results. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026

The panel also said there isn’t enough information to establish strict healthy reference ranges for the abundance of individual microbial species, and discouraged testing companies from providing therapeutic advice based on results. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026

This disparity discourages investment in maintenance, security and documentation. — Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026