as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the homeowner put up a fence around his garden as a deterrent for animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in preventive
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deterrent
Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
European forces in Ukraine would also mirror the deterrent effect of U.S. combat forces in South Korea.
—Stephen Hadley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Mar. 2025
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
What was once a deterrent is now the last hope for the Empire to stop the Mule and also Foundation in a single blow.
—Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Noun
Arrests in court will create a deterrent effect on individuals appearing for their court hearings, 90% of individuals placed in removal proceedings attend their hearings, these actions will continue to cause harm, confusion, and are not the way our government should act.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
European forces in Ukraine would also mirror the deterrent effect of U.S. combat forces in South Korea.
—Stephen Hadley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Visitors are routinely warned to stay alert, hike in groups, and carry bear spray—a pressurized deterrent considered one of the most effective non-lethal protections against aggressive bears.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
What was once a deterrent is now the last hope for the Empire to stop the Mule and also Foundation in a single blow.
—Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrent
Noun
-
The difficulty in getting rid of players other than those whose contracts expired this summer (Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez and Jesus Vallejo) was a significant obstacle.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
To overcome this obstacle, the MIT team employed lithium-6 atoms, a rare isotope whose resonance frequency shifts depending on temperature.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And this elevated risk continues even after patients are discharged home, making the need for ongoing preventive measures critical.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Sep. 2025
-
In summary, college mental health has unique protective factors and opportunities to prevent suicide in emerging adults, and the government has expressed support for these preventive efforts.—
Eric Wood,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Even if the discharge petition is successful, the underlying bill would have to clear many more hurdles.—
Emily Brooks,
The Hill,
8 Sep. 2025
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Reports have also pointed to practical hurdles for Optimus, including production bottlenecks, hand dexterity issues, and leadership turnover on the program.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Future research could also explore why omega-3s appear to be more protective for women—something that’s currently unclear.—
Brian Mastroianni,
Health,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Always ask for a protective base coat.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The tractor-trailer, carrying beverages, rode along the median barrier, splitting open from the side and spilling bottles across the roadway, the fire department posted on Facebook.—
Nour Rahal,
Freep.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Some cities install physical barriers like planters, bike racks, or other obstacles, to ensure compliance.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Tagovailoa’s third turnover occurred on Miami’s first drive of the second half when a short pass over the middle of the field was intercepted by Colts defensive lineman Laiatu Latu, who dropped back into coverage on Miami’s offense while a three Colts rushers came after Tagovailoa.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Sep. 2025
-
As good as Baltimore’s offense was, Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr will have some things to fix this week.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Wind giant Ørsted sues White House Energy giant Ørsted and two US states sued the White House over its obstruction of a near-complete offshore wind farm, part of the administration’s move away from renewables.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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O'Dell pleaded guilty earlier this year to arson, damage to religious property and obstruction of persons in the free exercise of religious beliefs.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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If fear of embarrassment is influencing how Gen Z engages at work, leaders should name it and offer alternatives.—
Ruth Oh Reitmeier,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Good intentions and moral high ground gave way to national embarrassment.—
Dan Fisher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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