1
as in to frustrate
to lessen the courage or confidence of
I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to dissuade
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 discourage
The administration says the sanctions are also intended to discourage deeper involvement from foreign adversaries.
—
Abby Dodge, CBS News, 2 May 2026
Repeatedly knocking down small nests may discourage the queen from starting another nest in that spot.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 2 May 2026
Trump's letters to congressional leaders Friday are a volley aimed at discouraging lawmakers in Congress from restricting military action against Iran.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 1 May 2026
Planning presumes a set of ideal conditions for childbearing — conditions most accessible to white, economically secure Americans — while stigmatizing and discouraging the reproduction of others.
—Sonya Borrero, STAT, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Abby Dodge, CBS News, 2 May 2026
Repeatedly knocking down small nests may discourage the queen from starting another nest in that spot.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 2 May 2026
Trump's letters to congressional leaders Friday are a volley aimed at discouraging lawmakers in Congress from restricting military action against Iran.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 1 May 2026
Planning presumes a set of ideal conditions for childbearing — conditions most accessible to white, economically secure Americans — while stigmatizing and discouraging the reproduction of others.
—Sonya Borrero, STAT, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
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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
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Committee Democrats asked Lutnick repeatedly about that visit, but came away from the interview frustrated with Lutnick and accused him of evading their questions.—
Stephen Groves,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
Verb
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He is also accused of dissuading a victim and destroying a communication device.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
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Block Perching and Nesting Spots Removing areas where pigeons like to perch or nest, such as empty planters or dense vegetation, can dissuade them from taking up residence in your yard.—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
1 May 2026
Verb
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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
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The motion also argued that Chris Gerodemos was a present danger to extortion Victim #2 and his entire family, if released, and a substantial risk to threaten, injure, or intimidate a prospective witness.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Supporting the death penalty in this case is, to me, a consistent position – one that prioritizes protecting innocent life and may deter future acts of such violence against children or anyone else.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
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Mosquito coils are essentially rolls of incense infused with citronella that slowly releases the scent to deter flying insects.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
6 May 2026
Verb
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Tuapse now faces a daunting cleanup operation and a hit to its upcoming tourist season.—
Yuliya Talmazan,
NBC news,
1 May 2026
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Paying for an education can be daunting, but fortunately, ScholarShare 529 has helped families rise to the challenge of affording higher education for more than 25 years.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
1 May 2026
Verb
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How To Keep Skunks Away From Your Yard There are no effective repellants or devices that frighten skunks away.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2026
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Several critics said the legislation introduces too many unknowns, adding that with the artificial intelligence legislation also under consideration, Connecticut is moving towards regulations that could frighten companies looking to grow in the state.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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