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

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

Third-party and off-brand replacement batteries are also available on Amazon and other retailers, but iRobot discourages their use, and your Roomba might not recognize them if they’re installed. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 20 July 2026

Enclose The Garden With A Fence Enclosing a garden or patio with a fence provides more privacy, discourages roving deer, and adds a little mystery to your property. — Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 13 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

The lengthy delay to the funeral has raised questions about how Khamenei's remains have been preserved, as Islamic tradition, anaylsts say, generally calls for prompt burial and discourages chemical embalming. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 2 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