discouraged 1 of 2

Definition of discouragednext

discouraged

2 of 2

verb

past tense of discourage

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of discouraged
Adjective
Using open flames or extreme heat sources is also discouraged. Dallas Morning News, 27 Jan. 2026 No roadways are closed but unnecessary travel is discouraged. Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2026 In the meantime, traveling is still strongly discouraged. Jessie Christopher Smith, Oklahoman, 27 Jan. 2026 Travel is strongly discouraged. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2026 Sending a paper check in the mail, for example, is widely discouraged. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026 Interactions between federal law enforcement and protesters have been tense at times, and Minneapolis officials have called for calm and discouraged violence. Dennis Romero, NBC news, 17 Jan. 2026 The spacious lecture halls and hostels of the Friendship University were significantly superior to its overcrowded counterparts in western Europe at the time, but discipline was strict and students were strongly discouraged from traveling even around Moscow. Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026 In a moment that has left many people exhausted and discouraged, that feels like no small thing. Phillip Halpern, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
Geographic barriers and limited profit potential have long discouraged private internet service providers from these areas, thus necessitating public investment. Letters To The Editor, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026 The practice has been around for decades but surged in popularity after post-2008 financial crisis regulations discouraged banks from serving riskier borrowers. Hugh Son, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026 His fundraising efforts opened doors to facilities with countless potential victims, and his popular reputation discouraged scrutiny. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2026 Osterling hopes the ongoing immigration enforcement operations in LA County have not discouraged contractors from reporting burglaries. Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026 The actor Jennifer Lawrence told The New York Times that the past decade has discouraged her from using her platform for politics. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026 Plus, if a potential buyer has allergies, they might be discouraged from putting in an offer. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026 First, Putin discouraged regional governors from doing international relations. Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026 What is unfolding isn’t meant to be comfortable, so don’t be discouraged by the energy of transformation. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discouraged
Adjective
  • There is, however, room for questions about where the line between prohibited and acceptable political involvement will fall in practice.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 11 July 2025
  • The list of prohibited and restricted items, as found on the CBP website, includes alcohol, biological materials, firearms, food and produce such as fruits and vegetables, soil, wildlife, fish, and gold, among other items.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Gonzales-Gutierrez was among the city council members frustrated after Mayor Johnston used his authority to enter into the short-term extension and requested that the mayor's office run any future decisions on surveillance technology past the city council.
    Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Some were frustrated that a rising tide in the stock market didn’t lift the Bitcoin boat.
    Joe Wilkins Published Jan 29, Futurism, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • If some companies, like BP and Total acquiesced, others like Exxon and Conoco packed up and left, writing off $billions and filing international arbitration claims that dissuaded many firms from seeking to establish operations in the country.
    Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • No amount of criticism dissuaded him and his fans from believing that Earth has been visited repeatedly by beings from Outer Space, and will be again in the future.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • One of Japan’s most beloved television personalities — and a perennial favorite-host winner — Matsuko brings her sharp insight and commanding presence to a forbidden auction staged in a mysterious underground space.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Waiting was something forbidden.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • So, yeah, everybody is very disappointed.
    Jay Cohen, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Alonso substituted Antonio Rudiger — who was an injury doubt heading into the match — and Raul Asencio in the 69th minute, with the latter looking disappointed on the bench.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But Trump has also disheartened Iranians by downplaying the regime’s violence.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Overland Park resident Sarah Andrews is also disheartened by the abrupt closing.
    Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Many veteran journalists agreed with that assessment but said they would not be deterred from their work.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Federal agents have attempted to frustrate these efforts, but their targets have proved too resourceful, too careful—too determined—to be deterred.
    Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Immediately, a dispirited city administration came to life, with particular focus on quality-of-life issues affecting residents and visitors.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • People should be more excited and less dispirited about artificial intelligence, according to billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
    Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discouraged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discouraged. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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