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
Relevance
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
Use a tree tube or fencing to discourage browsing.
—
Dr. Lauren Kurtz, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2026
The organization’s rebuild has centered on evaluation through competition, not avoidance of it, and a league-wide move toward discouraging manipulation would make that philosophy less of an outlier.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2026
Although students already have the right to pray and read religious texts in public schools, Hasenbeck, who is running as a GOP candidate for state superintendent, contended some districts discourage prayer and Bible studies out of fear of being sued.
—Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 20 Feb. 2026
But the venue was not the issue, as host Ego Nwodim was forced to deliver some disappointing monologues, several key guests were absent, and the lack of buzz overall was discouraging.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Dr. Lauren Kurtz, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2026
The organization’s rebuild has centered on evaluation through competition, not avoidance of it, and a league-wide move toward discouraging manipulation would make that philosophy less of an outlier.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2026
Although students already have the right to pray and read religious texts in public schools, Hasenbeck, who is running as a GOP candidate for state superintendent, contended some districts discourage prayer and Bible studies out of fear of being sued.
—Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 20 Feb. 2026
But the venue was not the issue, as host Ego Nwodim was forced to deliver some disappointing monologues, several key guests were absent, and the lack of buzz overall was discouraging.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
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Responses ranged from truckers frustrated by the rule to others who argued trucks should use separate service stations.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
25 Feb. 2026
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Many European governments have been frustrated that China hasn’t done more to pressure Russia to end the fighting.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Not one to be easily dissuaded, Jackson spotted a nearby restaurant, walked in and asked to use the phone.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
23 Feb. 2026
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Brooks himself had been the final player cut from that 1960 team, but he would not be dissuaded returning 20 years later to put together the unlikeliest of underdog teams that would go on to shock the world.—
Patrick Snell,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Cash’s fine-dining pedigree (including time at Per Se and Noma) might suggest formality, but the brick walls and leather banquettes feel inviting, not intimidating.—
Karla Walsh,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Feb. 2026
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Sunderland 1-1 Fulham Everton vs Manchester United An evening kick-off at Goodison Park, under the floodlights, could be intimidating for visiting teams — and sometimes for the home team.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Tyson’s injury history may give some teams pause, but that hasn’t deterred the Steelers, who have taken their chances recently on others with more significant medical red flags like Payton Wilson and Darnell Washington.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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It is obligated by domestic law to provide Taiwan with sufficient hardware to deter any armed attack from the mainland.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Implementing large-scale changes like EIP-1559 can be daunting given how far their reach goes, but their present success suggests network users are ready to see what the crypto industry has in store next.—
Ethan M. Stone,
Ascend Agency,
20 Feb. 2026
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To him, the desert’s vast, daunting landscape remains the ultimate frontier for paleontologists brave enough to pursue the unknown.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While 21 page-menus might frighten the coach of a position where speed and agility are crucial, these types of moments are exactly how Harris thinks his unit will mesh.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
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That habit didn’t endear the Alspaws to anyone nearby, including one neighbor who threatened to shoot Brittany after the Alspaws frightened his horses.—
Tessa Stuart,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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