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
Michigan's Department of Natural Resources discourages people from keeping wild animals as pets.
—
Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Allowing more sunlight in also discourages the growth of mold.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
The edges of the rug are reinforced with a self-binding technique that discourages loose threads and encourages the sides to lie flat, mitigating tripping hazards.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025
Psilocybin encourages hair growth and discourages graying in mice.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
When that environment potentially discourages risk-taking, open dialogue, or resilience, the intangible ROI of college erodes.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Also tamping down interest in visiting the big trees is the fact that the park management actively discourages visitors from identifying the tallest trees.
—Greg Sullivan, AFAR Media, 15 Sep. 2025
Some college policies will lead to a student’s suspension, expulsion or other academic discipline if they are found to be near drugs, which discourages students from reaching out for help during an overdose emergency, according to Haney’s office.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2025
That fear discourages innovation and stifles opportunity.
—Brad Rencher, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Allowing more sunlight in also discourages the growth of mold.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
The edges of the rug are reinforced with a self-binding technique that discourages loose threads and encourages the sides to lie flat, mitigating tripping hazards.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025
Psilocybin encourages hair growth and discourages graying in mice.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
When that environment potentially discourages risk-taking, open dialogue, or resilience, the intangible ROI of college erodes.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Also tamping down interest in visiting the big trees is the fact that the park management actively discourages visitors from identifying the tallest trees.
—Greg Sullivan, AFAR Media, 15 Sep. 2025
Some college policies will lead to a student’s suspension, expulsion or other academic discipline if they are found to be near drugs, which discourages students from reaching out for help during an overdose emergency, according to Haney’s office.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2025
That fear discourages innovation and stifles opportunity.
—Brad Rencher, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourages
Verb
-
This is part of a business model that has worked for TCU’s regular-season record, but increasingly frustrates fans who want to see a decent matchup in September.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The sharp jump in investor activity is likely due to their financial strength, which can often combat the state’s legendary low affordability that frustrates the common house hunter.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In the velvety elegance of Paris, Jacques (Guillaume des Forêts, nearly a Timothée Chalamet look-alike), a floppy-haired painter, dissuades Marthe (Isabelle Weingarten) from jumping into the Seine when her fiancé abandons her.—
Helen Shaw,
New Yorker,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
With a name inspired by unity, strength and joy, Zayu transforms on the pitch as a striker, showcasing exceptional ingenuity and agility that intimidates defenders.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Choose one that deters all but the most determined squirrels and place it away from your bulb bed.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
2 Oct. 2025
-
To be sure, more frequent exams can increase the chances of false positives—a stressful experience that sometimes deters future screenings.—
Jennie Durant,
Glamour,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discourages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourages. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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