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
Examples 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 discourage
This policy change will discourage investment and reduce economic growth in the state.
—
Adam A. Millsap, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Steroid levels were particularly high during the 20th century, when hunting was banned and bison and elk were discouraged from migrating in the winter, according to the scientists from Montana State University, Oklahoma State University and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy.
—Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024
These militias, stationed at Israel’s borders, also acted as a deterrent, discouraging Israel from directly striking Iran.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024
Youth were discouraged or forbidden from speaking their Native languages and forced to speak English.
—Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discourage 
Adam A. Millsap, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Steroid levels were particularly high during the 20th century, when hunting was banned and bison and elk were discouraged from migrating in the winter, according to the scientists from Montana State University, Oklahoma State University and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy.
—Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024
These militias, stationed at Israel’s borders, also acted as a deterrent, discouraging Israel from directly striking Iran.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024
Youth were discouraged or forbidden from speaking their Native languages and forced to speak English.
—Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
-
But one of the smart pleasures of Walden is to watch its author gently frustrate the dramatic assumptions that filter in from A Streetcar Named Desire.Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
-
Several counties statewide face a lengthy, two-page ballot that is likely to frustrate voters and lead to lines at the polls.The Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
And in an election year with a tight presidential contest on the ballot, most voters won't be dissuaded, said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Paul Pastelok.Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024
-
If you can't be dissuaded, or if your router doesn't support adding more mesh nodes, some repeaters are better than others.Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
This time, a man wearing a gaiter that covered his nose and mouth was accompanied by three other individuals who appeared intimidating to Raimi.Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
-
Arbitration usually takes place in an office or conference room and not the more intense, even intimidating, courtroom venue.Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Taiwan and the United States should therefore remain focused on deterring—and, if necessary, defeating—a Chinese blockade or invasion.David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
-
Donald Trump Ahead in Just One Swing State: Final NYT-Siena Poll In previous elections, Republicans have benefited from poor weather, which often deters voters less committed to voting, who tend to lean Democratic.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
To force them to go back and do it under the full approach, which, 1, is not required by GAAP and 2, much, much, much more complicated — daunting is an understatement.Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
-
Don’t be daunted by the notion of some huge new concept but instead look for low-hanging fruit.London Business School, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024
Verb
-
Like the film itself, Hanks is no-nonsense as a commander who reveals little about himself between barking orders and offering steely words of encouragement to the inexperienced, frightened young men around him.Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024
-
Researchers estimate that in the United States, wildfire smoke claims 5,000 to 15,000 lives each year — yet these deaths don’t get attention because there is no dramatic footage of flames to frighten us.Nicholas Kristof, The Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near discourage
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share