as in demoralizing
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1
as in frustrating
to lessen the courage or confidence of
I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dissuading
to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action
the higher fines may help discourage drivers from speeding on the highway
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of discouraging
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
High taxes squeeze margins and send a discouraging signal to firms.
—Andrew Rein, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026
But because we’re consistently inundated with longevity hacks and social media challenges touted as the key to a long life, it can be challenging and almost discouraging to figure out what actually works for us on a personal level.
—The Editors, Outside, 25 Dec. 2025
And this week, Robbie and Fennell upped the ante, weighing in with what may be the most discouraging news yet for hardcore devotees of Brontë’s Gothic text.
—Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2025
After playing just six discouraging games for his new team, Beal fractured his hip and underwent a season-ending surgery.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
After that equally disappointing, discouraging and discombobulated showing Pope alluded to a mysterious pre-game locker room issue.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025
As discouraging as that sounds, the McRib may be more widely available than this statement implies.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025
If the gap between self and fitfluencer seems too wide, comparisons become discouraging, not motivating.
—Abby Frank, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025
U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
The initiative also coincides with the $100,000 H-1B application fee, introduced September 21, two days after the DOL announcement—a White House move aimed at discouraging bulk filings by staffing and outsourcing firms.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
After possibly allowing the opening touchdown to Browns tight end Harold Fannin, Spillane was everywhere; diagnosing run plays, discouraging throws and snagging an interception in the second half.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
One reason why grade inflation has increased at Harvard is concern among faculty about being tougher than their peers and thereby discouraging enrollment in their courses, Claybaugh said in the study, which was reported earlier by the Harvard Crimson.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
In many faith traditions, mental health can be a stigmatized topic, discouraging open dialogue for those struggling with issues like depression or anxiety.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2025
Nevertheless, disagreements with family members might be discouraging.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025
But far from discouraging him, her comment became the inception of a −very sweet− journey.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025
The entire crop of players with serious money left on their deals endured long, discouraging stretches this season where their contracts looked like albatrosses.
—Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Their status has been diminished by what has — charitably — been a really discouraging decade, featuring two separate relegations.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
High taxes squeeze margins and send a discouraging signal to firms.
—Andrew Rein, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026
But because we’re consistently inundated with longevity hacks and social media challenges touted as the key to a long life, it can be challenging and almost discouraging to figure out what actually works for us on a personal level.
—The Editors, Outside, 25 Dec. 2025
And this week, Robbie and Fennell upped the ante, weighing in with what may be the most discouraging news yet for hardcore devotees of Brontë’s Gothic text.
—Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2025
After playing just six discouraging games for his new team, Beal fractured his hip and underwent a season-ending surgery.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
After that equally disappointing, discouraging and discombobulated showing Pope alluded to a mysterious pre-game locker room issue.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025
As discouraging as that sounds, the McRib may be more widely available than this statement implies.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025
If the gap between self and fitfluencer seems too wide, comparisons become discouraging, not motivating.
—Abby Frank, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
But a September report from SANDAG’s internal auditor was discouraging.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
The initiative also coincides with the $100,000 H-1B application fee, introduced September 21, two days after the DOL announcement—a White House move aimed at discouraging bulk filings by staffing and outsourcing firms.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
After possibly allowing the opening touchdown to Browns tight end Harold Fannin, Spillane was everywhere; diagnosing run plays, discouraging throws and snagging an interception in the second half.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
One reason why grade inflation has increased at Harvard is concern among faculty about being tougher than their peers and thereby discouraging enrollment in their courses, Claybaugh said in the study, which was reported earlier by the Harvard Crimson.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
In many faith traditions, mental health can be a stigmatized topic, discouraging open dialogue for those struggling with issues like depression or anxiety.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2025
Nevertheless, disagreements with family members might be discouraging.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025
But far from discouraging him, her comment became the inception of a −very sweet− journey.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025
The entire crop of players with serious money left on their deals endured long, discouraging stretches this season where their contracts looked like albatrosses.
—Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discouraging
Adjective
-
Despite suffering demoralizing losses in 2024 and grappling with persistently low approval ratings, Democrats have reasons to be optimistic about the 2026 cycle.—
Kevin Breuninger,Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
4 Nov. 2025
-
The Jays were able to put their demoralizing, 18-inning loss the night before behind them as the bats came back to life.—
Kendall Capps,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Mack and the Chargers’ defense pressured quarterbacks Jalen Hurts of the Eagles and Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs, frustrating them and keeping them out of their comfort zones.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
20 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
A little bout of volatility isn't dissuading Ed Yardeni from his bullish take on stocks.—
Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The actor turned businessman, who filed for divorce from Richards in July, is facing four criminal charges by the State of California — two counts of injuring a spouse, cohabitant, fiancé, boyfriend, girlfriend or child's parent; and two counts of dissuading a witness by force or threat.—
Sean Mandell,
PEOPLE,
24 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
To vocalize the belief that the lawsuit was partisan politics instead of concerned citizens speaking up, is very disheartening.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
7 Jan. 2026
-
And if that weren’t bad enough, Kansas City got some disheartening injury news after the game that will make quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ life even more difficult.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Victory at Craven Cottage would have flattered Liverpool and, on current form, Thursday’s trip to the Emirates to face leaders Arsenal is a daunting proposition.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
-
But the prospect of facing quarterback Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, who are reportedly resting along with all other Eagles starters in their final regular season game, is a daunting one given San Francisco’s struggle against the run game.—
Michael McGough,
Sacbee.com,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Why has Hochul stalled on the Propel transmission line from upstate to NYC, deterring solar providers from making investments in this cheap, clean fuel?—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Under the plan, a multinational force for Ukraine would be deployed once a ceasefire is in place, aimed at deterring any Russian aggression and supporting the rebuilding of Ukraine’s military.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Democratic leaders actually were troubled by Mamdani’s rise (although their preference for a disgraced former governor was equally dismaying), but Democratic voters handed Mamdani a solid victory despite his radical positions.—
Steven Greenhut,
Oc Register,
28 Nov. 2025
-
On top of this dismaying thought comes the realization that the AI is available 24x7 and at a low cost or perhaps even free.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Indeed, one of General George Washington’s greatest achievements was to avoid being cornered and forced to capitulate to these intimidating legions in the war’s early years.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Tips for Making Coconut Cake Layer cakes can be intimidating for hobby bakers.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discouraging. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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