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 studies also cannot tell us whether the threat of punishment under Maryland’s law discourages people from creating or spreading deepfakes. — Stefani Langehennig, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Depriving the plant of light discourages the development of chlorophyll—the green plant pigment responsible for color—and rids the chicory of an unpleasant flavor. — Tamar Adler, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026

This erodes trust, discourages honest feedback and causes repetitive problems. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026

At its core, Vargas said, the gym is meant to be a place where men can step away from life’s stressors and support one another — in a world that often discourages men from opening up. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 17 Sep. 2026

Create an environment that’s less welcoming with a weekly routine that discourages spiders from rebuilding their webs. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026

Etiquette at Wimbledon—and especially in the exclusive Royal Box—discourages using one’s phone. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 14 Sep. 2026

By focusing on the answers, Tao says, AI discourages mathematicians from working on alternative approaches that might arrive at the same solution. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

After that, the Chicago Park District strongly discourages swimming, as no lifeguards will be on duty. — Darius Johnson, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026