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 city discourages trespassing on private property.
—
Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
The system discourages early adoption.
—William Warr, Time, 4 Mar. 2026
This thin layer dries out quickly, and dry soil discourages termites from invading.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026
The caller pressures you to stay on the line and discourages you from contacting anyone else.
—Maria Salette Ontiveros, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
The 50+1 rule, mandating that majority ownership remains with supporters, discourages the kind of investment that has flooded into the Premier League, bringing with it an array of stars.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Foliage has a waxy covering that repels pests and discourages disease.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 27 Feb. 2026
In areas with a higher number of HPAI detections, such as Amarillo and Lubbock, the department discourages the public from feeding wildlife, including using bird feeders.
—Faith Bugenhagen, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
For example, many consumers report that the difficulty of quickly testing and comparing AI models discourages them from using the tools.
—William Jones, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
The system discourages early adoption.
—William Warr, Time, 4 Mar. 2026
This thin layer dries out quickly, and dry soil discourages termites from invading.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026
The caller pressures you to stay on the line and discourages you from contacting anyone else.
—Maria Salette Ontiveros, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
The 50+1 rule, mandating that majority ownership remains with supporters, discourages the kind of investment that has flooded into the Premier League, bringing with it an array of stars.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Foliage has a waxy covering that repels pests and discourages disease.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 27 Feb. 2026
In areas with a higher number of HPAI detections, such as Amarillo and Lubbock, the department discourages the public from feeding wildlife, including using bird feeders.
—Faith Bugenhagen, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
For example, many consumers report that the difficulty of quickly testing and comparing AI models discourages them from using the tools.
—William Jones, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourages
Verb
-
Tennessee law, the judge explained, thus still frustrates a core goal of the CEA—uniform regulation of the derivatives market.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Attending the esports-style SCC in London, The Athletic saw exactly how Nakamura frustrates some chess fans but helps make new ones.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The tension between the audience wanting the best for Siaja while her community dissuades her is key to North of North’s appeal, and that all comes down to how strongly Lambe anchors the series around her.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2025
-
Taking away automatic renewal also dissuades employers from offering jobs to H-4 holders out of concerns about potential employment gaps, Peddibhotla added.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Maybe her coolness intimidates them, or her green eyes.—
Rodrigo Hasbún,
Literary Hub,
24 Feb. 2026
-
If French wine intimidates you, this is the perfect place to get over that fear.—
Noel Burgess,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The aromatic foliage of sages (including herb species) deters aphids and Japanese beetles, while the blossoms support a host of beneficial insects.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Which scent deters wasps the most?—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourages. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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