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
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
Currently, drivers using the express lanes must exit and navigate multiple lanes of traffic to reach SR 92, a maneuver the project website states causes congestion and discourages carpooling.
—
Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2025
Finally, students are socially rewarded for their participation, reinforcing ideological adherence and discouraging dissent.
—Kevin Waldman, Twin Cities, 10 Apr. 2025
Trump has 'fundamental misunderstanding': Expert Some economists and international trade experts told ABC News that the president's controversial trade policy could actually discourage firms from setting up factories on American soil.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2025
Even as uncertainty can discourage some deals, other deals could open doors, providing growth.
—Louis Biscotti, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2025
Finally, students are socially rewarded for their participation, reinforcing ideological adherence and discouraging dissent.
—Kevin Waldman, Twin Cities, 10 Apr. 2025
Trump has 'fundamental misunderstanding': Expert Some economists and international trade experts told ABC News that the president's controversial trade policy could actually discourage firms from setting up factories on American soil.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2025
Even as uncertainty can discourage some deals, other deals could open doors, providing growth.
—Louis Biscotti, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
-
The team settled on a patient with SD Autism Spectrum disorder who had an ankle sprain but frustrated Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball) with his endless questions.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Although so highly esteemed, the notoriously taciturn director would often frustrate his colleagues by his reticence to explain his directorial intentions.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
They were ultimately dissuaded by mortgage owners and housing authorities.—
Ann Rutledge,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Correspondence between former Pardon Attorney Liz Oyer and the Justice Department indicates the department planned to dispatch U.S. marshals to deliver a letter seeking to dissuade her from talking at the event about allegations that she was fired for recommending Gibson’s gun rights be restored.—
Rebecca Beitsch,
The Hill,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
James, through a spokesperson, said she will not be intimidated.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
17 Apr. 2025
-
And since cleaning with bleach can be intimidating (ever have a load of laundryruined thanks to leftover bleach in the washing machine?), denture tablets can be a safer, easier alternative to getting your whites back to bright.—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Moreover, many are deterred from selling due to capital gains tax thresholds that have not kept pace with inflation, especially in high-growth housing markets.—
Ilona Limonta-Volkova,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
In addition to an extended flowering season and piquant fragrance, catmints attract lots of pollinators and deter deer.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Peterborough, however, will not be daunted by the challenge.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
-
But the daunting posts were just T’ing up the Swirls and Fusions announcement — plain chocolate and vanilla Frostys aren’t going anywhere, a Wendy's spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE.—
Sabrina Weiss,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Two years ago, several small-business owners testified to a legislative committee that Americans with Disabilities Act plaintiffs’ lawyers filed spurious complaints, alleging what appeared to be a random list of violations in an attempt to frighten and intimidate the business owner.—
Mark Hillman,
Denver Post,
16 Apr. 2025
-
This has hallmarks of emotional abuse – non-physical behaviors meant to isolate, control and frighten.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share