Synonyms of discouraged

discouraged 1 of 2

adjective

1

as in prohibited

Related Words

• prohibited
• forbidden
• disallowed
• outlawed
• proscribed
• barred
• unauthorized
• banned
• unlicensed
• criminalized
• interdicted
• unapproved
• unsanctioned
• contraband
• smuggled
• improper
• illicit
• illegal
• under-the-table
• criminal
• wrongful
• unlawful
• felonious
• bootleg
• under-the-counter
• illegitimate

Dissimilar Words

• permitted
• authorized
• licensed
• endorsed
• approved
• allowed
• promoted
• supported
• suggested
• correct
• proper
• encouraged
• legal
• sanctioned
• legitimate
• lawful
• decent
• decorous
• abetted
• seemly

2

as in disheartened

Related Words

• disheartened
• disappointed
• dispirited
• unhappy
• depressed
• dejected
• sad
• saddened
• heartbroken
• downcast
• abject
• heartsick
• crestfallen
• disconsolate
• downhearted
• gloomy
• sorrowful
• brokenhearted
• miserable
• inconsolable
• desperate
• glum
• joyless
• sorry
• melancholy
• woebegone
• doleful
• mournful
• woeful
• hopeless
• blue
• despairing
• despondent
• hangdog
• low-spirited
• wailing
• grieving
• down
• weeping
• wretched
• forlorn
• low
• heartsore
• depressing
• pessimistic
• cheerless
• dismal
• cynical
• bleak
• dreary
• desolate
• comfortless
• dark
• resigned
• accepting
• funereal
• drear

Dissimilar Words

• optimistic
• hopeful
• ecstatic
• exuberant
• exultant
• euphoric
• enraptured
• encouraged
• merry
• jolly
• gay
• jovial
• elated
• exhilarated
• mirthful
• blithe
• happy
• glad
• entranced
• cheerful
• lively
• delighted
• joyful
• joyous
• animated
• perky
• vivacious
• jubilant
• buoyant
• sprightly
• upbeat
• heartened
• gleeful
• jocund
• cheery
• jaunty
• blithesome
• blissful
• lightsome
• sunny
• chipper
• sprightful
• gladdened
• gladsome

discouraged

2 of 2

verb

past tense of discourage

1

as in frustrated

to lessen the courage or confidence of

I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frustrated
• disheartened
• daunted
• intimidated
• dismayed
• frightened
• scared
• dispirited
• unnerved
• demoralized
• worried
• horrified
• bothered
• troubled
• afflicted
• tried
• saddened
• chilled
• cowed
• bullied
• threw cold water on
• depressed
• weighed
• distressed
• unmanned
• irked
• weakened
• browbeat
• undermined
• vexed
• debilitated
• deadened
• enfeebled
• dampened
• damped

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encouraged
• cheered
• enforced
• reinforced
• emboldened
• heartened
• assured
• animated
• strengthened
• excited
• nerved
• inspired
• stimulated
• reassured
• steeled
• lifted
• fortified
• gladdened
• buoyed (up)
• invigorated
• enlivened
• provoked
• energized
• stirred
• rallied
• galvanized
• quickened
• boosted

2

as in dissuaded

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

• dissuaded
• deterred
• inhibited
• diverted
• repelled
• unsold

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encouraged
• persuaded
• urged
• exhorted
• induced
• prodded
• prompted
• goaded
• impelled
• egged (on)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of discouraged

Adjective

Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. — Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 14 July 2026

When a manager conveys this, employees hear that new ideas are unwelcome and innovation is discouraged. — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

And most of all, don't get discouraged. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 9 June 2026

But those searches often left her feeling discouraged rather than hopeful. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026

The rate of underemployment is low, and the rate of labor-force participation is high, meaning that there’s no pool of discouraged workers lurking behind the marquee jobs statistics. — Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 24 May 2026

In no case would there be any wholesale eviction of tenants, and speculation was actively discouraged. — Eric Duvall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026

Between drought and extreme weather, some Colorado residents may be feeling a little discouraged from planting in the Rockies this summer. — Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 7 May 2026

Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. — Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 4 May 2026

Verb

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

Midway through the final matches on both days, hats came out — despite the accessories being discouraged in the Royal Box. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

Although the space agency initially discouraged the public from going near the spheres, Queensland emergency responders have since removed the objects and determined them to be safe, the ASA confirmed. — Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

If that sounds statistically far-fetched, do not be discouraged. — Sarah Hutto, New Yorker, 7 July 2026

Many gardeners buy praying mantis egg cases (oothecae) from garden nurseries, but this practice is discouraged for two reasons. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026

Overhead irrigation is discouraged to prevent leaf disease and spotting. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 July 2026

Mayor Clara Brugada discouraged fans from going to the Angel monument, saying the city would offer celebrations at other locations. — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Employees also reported being required to work seven days a week, denied overtime pay, misclassified as independent contractors and discouraged from raising concerns about wages or treatment. — Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 2 July 2026