1
as in frustrates
to lessen the courage or confidence of
I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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
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
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
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
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
-
Cabbage and Celery Much like calendula, celery stalks also have a particular scent that deters pests.—
Nishaa Sharma,
The Spruce,
7 May 2026
-
Plus, the running water deters mosquitoes from laying eggs—unlike stillwater, which can become a breeding hotspot.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourages. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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