1
as in frustrates
to lessen the courage or confidence of
I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discourages
Introducing uncertainty into energy rates, financing and grid management threatens existing employers and discourages future investment — particularly for manufacturers, clean tech firms, health care providers and small businesses already struggling with high costs.
—
Chris Cate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
The No Place for Hate initiative, which discourages bullying, celebrates diversity and teaches students how to treat others well.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
More than half of college students say their school either discourages (42%) or outright bans (11%) the use of AI, according to Gallup.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
The income that a proficiency with needle and thread commands relative to the skills needed and the physical toll of bending over detailed work for hours likely discourages teenagers and young adults from heeding Bae’s advice, fashion industry experts said.
—Anne D'innocenzio, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
When asked to comment, Apple pointed to previous statements, saying that the DMA discourages innovation, weakens privacy protections, delays or degrades product launches and increases security risks.
—Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
These create a gentle barrier that discourages unconscious rolling during the night.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
The income that a proficiency with needle and thread commands relative to the skills needed and the physical toll of bending over detailed work for hours likely discourages teenagers and young adults from heeding Bae’s advice, fashion industry experts said.
—Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
Deadline has spoken to dozens of members who confirm that WGAW leadership discourages rank-and-file members from speaking ill of the union in public — and especially to the press.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
Chris Cate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
The No Place for Hate initiative, which discourages bullying, celebrates diversity and teaches students how to treat others well.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
More than half of college students say their school either discourages (42%) or outright bans (11%) the use of AI, according to Gallup.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
The income that a proficiency with needle and thread commands relative to the skills needed and the physical toll of bending over detailed work for hours likely discourages teenagers and young adults from heeding Bae’s advice, fashion industry experts said.
—Anne D'innocenzio, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
When asked to comment, Apple pointed to previous statements, saying that the DMA discourages innovation, weakens privacy protections, delays or degrades product launches and increases security risks.
—Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
These create a gentle barrier that discourages unconscious rolling during the night.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
The income that a proficiency with needle and thread commands relative to the skills needed and the physical toll of bending over detailed work for hours likely discourages teenagers and young adults from heeding Bae’s advice, fashion industry experts said.
—Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
Deadline has spoken to dozens of members who confirm that WGAW leadership discourages rank-and-file members from speaking ill of the union in public — and especially to the press.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourages
Verb
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The person at the cash register has to stop helping other customers to try and track down the booth owner, which holds up the line and frustrates everybody.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Alesia and Mike’s constant absent-mindedness frustrates Jenna and Daisy.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Live With Kelly and Mark host engaged in a titillating conversation with husband Mark Consuelos on Wednesday's edition of the beloved talk show, with the star admitting that her oral retainer sometimes dissuades her husband's advances in the bedroom.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Apr. 2026
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The difficulty of challenging an arbitrator’s award sometimes dissuades the losing party from spending the time and money necessary to mount a viable challenge.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The aura of the classical guitar intimidates me.—
Peter Wayne Moe,
Longreads,
26 Mar. 2026
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The case has heightened concerns among Canada’s Iranian diaspora, many of whom have warned for years that Tehran monitors and intimidates critics abroad.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The split top deters people from dropping in a full bag of household garbage.—
Christopher Bonanos,
Curbed,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The pre-arrest program, which now exists in all 67 counties across Florida, deters young adults from entering the criminal justice system on their first misdemeanor offense.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourages. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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