DISCOURAGING Synonyms: 129 Similar and Opposite Words

discouraging 1 of 2

adjective

as in demoralizing

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Dissimilar Words

discouraging

2 of 2

verb

present participle of discourage

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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of discouraging

Adjective

The charges were filed less than two weeks before the midterm election, breaking with longstanding DOJ guidance discouraging actions that could affect upcoming political races. — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 Conventional wisdom suggests such discouraging numbers would depress turnout. — Christopher Miller, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026 His fellow scientists are neither comforting nor discouraging. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026 Then a rough 2025, a crowded rotation in 2026 and a discouraging bullpen stint led Pfaadt back to Reno. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 However, there is nothing more discouraging than bringing home a piece of salmon from the grocery store and opening it up to a slight fishy smell. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2026 Despite the discouraging landscape, recruiters and career experts say there are still ways for recent graduates to stand out. — Alyshia Hull, USA Today, 28 July 2026 Abigail Simon-Hart is all too familiar with these discouraging trends. — Durrie Bouscaren, NPR, 25 July 2026 While the Braves have not officially shut the door on either player, the latest update paints a discouraging picture. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Verb

But flying less can raise operating costs per seat, while pushing prices higher risks discouraging travelers who have already absorbed steep increases. — Reuters, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026 At the risk of discouraging readers, this chapter’s protagonists will include cholecalciferol, ammonia, neonicotinoids, polyethylene, 17α-methyltestosterone, and diclofenac. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026 If the two Jewish brothers did both end up with the two gentile sisters, that would make its own, somewhat discouraging statement on the latter issue. — Judy Berman, Time, 22 Oct. 2026 Some immigration advocates say it is aimed at discouraging voter turnout in the midterm elections. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 In response, Cobb County police plan to increase patrols on and around the holiday and other departments are discouraging participation. — Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 3 Oct. 2026 Higher mortgage rates aggravate the problem by discouraging many existing homeowners from selling. — Sheldon H. Jacobson, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026 New York cannot create 700,000 homes during 10 years while discouraging the developments most capable of delivering housing at scale. — Jim Whelan, New York Daily News, 8 Sep. 2026 Businesses nearby say the security measures, including checkpoints, are already discouraging customers. — Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discouraging

Adjective

The meta-musicals have their delights but can be no less demoralizing.

— Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
That can sound empowering or demoralizing, depending on your perception of AI and ability to master it.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of demoralizing

Verb

But Algo’s hyper-logical, computerised process of consistently picking the favourites to win was undone in the second match of the day, with Ghana frustrating England in a 0-0 draw.

— The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 24 June 2026
The documentary’s contradiction is right there, enthralling us with the wild achievements Potter pulled off and frustrating us with his bombast, leading us to ponder whether, as The Dark Wizard suggests, either could exist without the other.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2026

Definition of frustrating

Verb

But there’s little evidence that long runtimes are dissuading moviegoers.

— Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang of Arcadia, who were arrested at their home Tuesday morning, were set to be charged with several felonies, including conspiracy to commit child abuse and dissuading a witness, DA Nathan Hochman said.

— Austin Turner, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of dissuading

Adjective

The Washington Commanders had just under two weeks to sit with their disheartening start to the season before their matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Nov. 2026
Pretty disheartening and hard not to blame Google for forcing AI on all users/introducing the summaries in the first place!

— Cooper Katz McKim, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of disheartening

Verb

While outgoing people may have no issue with inserting themselves into a group or chat, for more reserved attendees, that can feel awkward or even daunting.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Such stylish emptiness is daunting, and one doesn’t envy those who are now being encouraged to try it on for size.

— Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of daunting

Verb

And the key for deterring Chinese leaders from starting a conflict is to convince them that a domestic crisis would arrive sooner than any battlefield victory.

— JOEL WUTHNOW, Foreign Affairs, 2 Nov. 2026
If a gang’s leadership, or the networks that profit from it, remain in place, billions spent deterring young offenders will not protect American streets or the children who walk them.

— Charles Wratto, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of deterring

Adjective

Most dismaying to me was the group’s seemingly endless tinkering with the menu at Rowdy Rooster, its fast-casual fried-chicken spot, including a downgrade in the chicken’s range of heat.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
Some recent comments from longtime Voicers have been especially dismaying.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 4 June 2026

Definition of dismaying

Verb

Watching their fearlessness in an environment that outsiders so often frame as hostile or intimidating was another small revelation—a joyous example of how human life continues to flourish in this wildest of places.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
The Protection from Abusive Passengers Act would bar passengers fined or convicted for assaulting or intimidating crew or other travellers.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of intimidating

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discourages

discouraging

discourse

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“Discouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discouraging. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of discouraging

adjective

verb

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