Synonyms of discourages

discourages

verb

present tense third-person singular of discourage

1

as in frustrates

to lessen the courage or confidence of

I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frustrates
• intimidates
• disheartens
• frightens
• daunts
• dismays
• demoralizes
• unnerves
• scares
• bothers
• horrifies
• afflicts
• dispirits
• weighs
• worries
• troubles
• tries
• undermines
• saddens
• depresses
• throws cold water on
• unmans
• weakens
• chills
• browbeats
• cows
• bullies
• irks
• deadens
• distresses
• dampens
• debilitates
• vexes
• damps
• enfeebles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourages
• nerves
• cheers
• reinforces
• enforces
• animates
• emboldens
• buoys (up)
• assures
• enlivens
• strengthens
• heartens
• stimulates
• reassures
• gladdens
• fortifies
• inspires
• invigorates
• provokes
• steels
• excites
• lifts
• energizes
• stirs
• quickens
• boosts
• rallies
• galvanizes

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

• dissuades
• deters
• inhibits
• diverts
• repels
• unsells

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourages
• persuades
• urges
• eggs (on)
• exhorts
• induces
• prompts
• impels
• prods
• goads

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of discourages

For children under 18 months, the AAP discourages all screen use except for video chatting with family. — Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

The lengthy delay to the funeral has raised questions about how Khamenei's remains have been preserved, as Islamic tradition, anaylsts say, generally calls for prompt burial and discourages chemical embalming. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Bell on Wednesday reaffirmed his support for Florida’s institutional neutrality policies, which discourages university leaders from taking official positions on political issues in an effort to avoid chilling debate among students and faculty. — Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026

NestWatch discourages watering planters containing nests because this can lower the temperature of the eggs. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 June 2026

Creating a fake wasp nest creates a decoy, and discourages them from setting up in the area. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, The Spruce, 29 June 2026

Better solutions may exist, but the effort required to replace the ecosystem discourages change. — Philipp Schloter, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

The color yellow attracts yellow jackets and other pollinating insects, so the all-red design increases your chances of attracting hummingbirds and discourages bees and wasps from staking claim over the sweet nectar. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026

This improves air circulation around the rhizomes and discourages future rot. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026