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
Rent control short-circuits this process and discourages renovation and investment.
—
Editorial, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages caffeine for kids under 12, and suggests a limit of 100 milligrams per day for teenagers.
—Rachel Hale, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Critics say that using it distorts the truth of a performance, but supporters believe that the tech discourages disruptions.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Basil discourages mosquitoes and houseflies, while mint helps push back ants and mosquitoes.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
Stating it from federal authority stigmatizes depression treatment and discourages people from seeking care.
—Jonathan Slater, STAT, 13 May 2026
NestWatch discourages watering planters containing nests because this can lower the temperature of the eggs.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Edith interrupts their reading time, disciplines Grace in secret, and subtly discourages affection toward her father.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
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
Editorial, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages caffeine for kids under 12, and suggests a limit of 100 milligrams per day for teenagers.
—Rachel Hale, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Critics say that using it distorts the truth of a performance, but supporters believe that the tech discourages disruptions.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Basil discourages mosquitoes and houseflies, while mint helps push back ants and mosquitoes.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
Stating it from federal authority stigmatizes depression treatment and discourages people from seeking care.
—Jonathan Slater, STAT, 13 May 2026
NestWatch discourages watering planters containing nests because this can lower the temperature of the eggs.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Edith interrupts their reading time, disciplines Grace in secret, and subtly discourages affection toward her father.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourages
Verb
-
Part of what fascinates and frustrates as regards Ginsberg is that for all of those thick anthologies, propriety forces me to concede that many of the poems simply aren’t that good.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
Every customer service call, chatbot exchange, product review, email, and digital interaction contains insight into what customers expect, what frustrates them, and what ultimately builds loyalty.—
Gary Drenik,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
But if a dentist dissuades you from getting one, Nguyen said, that’s another red flag.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 May 2026
-
The boldest part of Astra Nord’s strategy is its intention to begin building the 213-foot Neon on spec, in a market where spiking construction costs and uncertain demand dissuades many shipyards from the same.—
Dea Jusufi,
Forbes.com,
16 May 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
-
The green leaves are splotched with white and bumpy on the upper side, and the stems are hairy, which deters deer.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
4 June 2026
-
The herb’s fragrance confuses and deters pests from eating your peppers.—
Sheryl Geerts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourages. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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