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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discourage
The intent was both to deprive the Iranian program of expertise and to discourage promising scientists from working on nuclear weapons.
—
Yossi Melman, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025
Lies and misinformation divide us, discourage civic participation, erode trust in the rule of law and justify policies that can weaken our democracy.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025
Jail detention officers are required to check inmates a minimum of twice an hour with gaps no longer than 40 minutes for many safety reasons, including discouraging and interrupting suicide attempts.
—Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2025
Covering the soil with a ½ inch of coarse sand or fine gravel can also discourage egg laying.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Yossi Melman, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025
Lies and misinformation divide us, discourage civic participation, erode trust in the rule of law and justify policies that can weaken our democracy.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025
Jail detention officers are required to check inmates a minimum of twice an hour with gaps no longer than 40 minutes for many safety reasons, including discouraging and interrupting suicide attempts.
—Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2025
Covering the soil with a ½ inch of coarse sand or fine gravel can also discourage egg laying.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
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For example, Dell has reportedly tracked VPN usage and badge swipes, frustrating some workers.—
Scharon Harding,
ArsTechnica,
8 Aug. 2025
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You might be hurt when your best friend bails at the last minute (again), for instance, or frustrated that your partner never helps clean up after dinner.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But states may now be dissuaded by the Trump administration's stance against price mandates being applied to the grant program.—
Jon Brodkin,
ArsTechnica,
5 Aug. 2025
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If a peace deal is not reached by Friday, Putin’s chief commodity will become the primary target as the U.S. will begin 100% sanctions on nations that purchase Russian oil in a move to dissuade them from fueling Russia’s economy, and by extension, its war chest.—
Caitlin McFall,
FOXNews.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Following his arrest, law enforcement learned that Reardon called the Israeli Consulate in Boston 98 times between Oct. 7, 2023 and Jan. 29, 2024, and made harassing and intimidating statements.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
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If you're intimidated by orange, Dior's Rouge Dior Lipstick in 200 Nude Touch is a great starter shade with a beautiful warm undertone, as is Fenty Beauty's Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in Noodz & Dudez.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The house, which does not like children, especially not trick-or-treaters, does everything in its power to deter the kids before Halloween night.—
Marilyn La Jeunesse,
Parents,
5 Aug. 2025
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Australia is in the midst of a major military restructure, bolstering its navy with long-range firepower in an effort to deter China.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Add in exposure to traumatic film and television storylines, daunting work schedules, being in rooms with adults who didn’t display appropriate behavior around minors, financial pressure and instability, and the picture becomes even more vivid.—
Cathy Applefeld Olson,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Don’t be daunted by official terms and names in the mattress world—they’re actually pretty straightforward.—
Julia Forbes,
Wired News,
27 June 2025
Verb
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Most give up halfway, frightened by the warnings of those below.—
Sudhir Gupta,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
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While the notion might frighten fans who have Thursday nights perpetually blocked off on their calendars, shorter episodes could prove beneficial in giving the Critical Role founders a little bit of a break.—
Dana Reboe,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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