Synonyms of discourages

discourages

verb

present tense third-person singular of discourage

1

as in frustrates

to lessen the courage or confidence of

I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frustrates
• intimidates
• disheartens
• frightens
• daunts
• dismays
• demoralizes
• unnerves
• scares
• bothers
• horrifies
• afflicts
• dispirits
• weighs
• worries
• troubles
• tries
• undermines
• saddens
• depresses
• throws cold water on
• unmans
• weakens
• chills
• browbeats
• cows
• bullies
• irks
• deadens
• distresses
• dampens
• debilitates
• vexes
• damps
• enfeebles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourages
• nerves
• cheers
• reinforces
• enforces
• animates
• emboldens
• buoys (up)
• assures
• enlivens
• strengthens
• heartens
• stimulates
• reassures
• gladdens
• fortifies
• inspires
• invigorates
• provokes
• steels
• excites
• lifts
• energizes
• stirs
• quickens
• boosts
• rallies
• galvanizes

2

as in dissuades

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

• dissuades
• deters
• inhibits
• diverts
• repels
• unsells

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourages
• persuades
• urges
• eggs (on)
• exhorts
• induces
• prompts
• impels
• prods
• goads

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of discourages

Silver discourages mildew, mold and bacterial growth through a natural chemical process. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

This discourages foraging wasps and yellowjackets from being attracted to these areas, says Gordon. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 29 July 2026

Another person may rarely drink because their culture discourages alcohol altogether. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026

The textbook objection is that capping rents distorts markets and discourages construction. — Anisha Steephen, Time, 21 July 2026

Residents are asked not to burn and the Department of Natural Resources also discourages lighting campfires in the region. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 12 July 2026

For children under 18 months, the AAP discourages all screen use except for video chatting with family. — Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Bell on Wednesday reaffirmed his support for Florida’s institutional neutrality policies, which discourages university leaders from taking official positions on political issues in an effort to avoid chilling debate among students and faculty. — Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026

Creating a fake wasp nest creates a decoy, and discourages them from setting up in the area. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, The Spruce, 29 June 2026