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
The Dare Market app allows people to challenge one another to complete dares for prizes or money, but discourages users from breaking any laws, Perfito said.
—
James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
That ruling comes after a federal appeals court sided with Kalshi over New Jersey last month, boosting the fledgling industry’s hopes that the Supreme Court takes up the issue — and discourages Congress from passing any bill that might protect states’ lane.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 6 May 2026
Allowing more sunlight in also discourages the growth of mold.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
The women farmers say that the demanding nature of the work in the chile pepper fields discourages men.
—Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026
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
James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
That ruling comes after a federal appeals court sided with Kalshi over New Jersey last month, boosting the fledgling industry’s hopes that the Supreme Court takes up the issue — and discourages Congress from passing any bill that might protect states’ lane.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 6 May 2026
Allowing more sunlight in also discourages the growth of mold.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
The women farmers say that the demanding nature of the work in the chile pepper fields discourages men.
—Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourages
Verb
-
When the cityscape frustrates urban photographers with uneven terrain or limited spaces, photographic gear company Silence Corner strikes back with the Viperpod – a hybrid tripod designed to hang anywhere in seconds for unencumbered solo shooting.—
Shirl Leigh
May 06,
New Atlas,
6 May 2026
-
What frustrates me is that the Board has invoked emergency powers for rent policy while failing to declare an actual public health emergency for unsheltered homelessness — the one domain where the legal, moral, and practical case is overwhelming.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
4 May 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
-
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
-
Any passenger who assaults, threatens, intimidates or interferes with airline crew members can lead to penalties of up to $43,658 per violation, according to the FAA.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
-
The aura of the classical guitar intimidates me.—
Peter Wayne Moe,
Longreads,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
It’s caged in by the lantern’s design, which deters squirrels and also creates less of a mess.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 May 2026
-
The strong scent also deters pests like rabbits, aphids, and Japanese beetles.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourages. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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