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 American Academy of Pediatrics discourages caffeine for kids under 12, and suggests a limit of 100 milligrams per day for teenagers.
—
Rachel Hale, USA Today, 20 May 2026
That threat was clearly aimed at discouraging the West from allowing Ukraine to strike Russia with longer-range weapons and appears to significantly lower the threshold for the possible use of Russia’s nuclear arsenal.
—ABC News, 19 May 2026
To discourage their presence, solve moisture and leaks in and around your home.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2026
However, markets expect that elevated levels of inflation and a stable labor market likely will discourage further easing until there’s ample evidence that the pace of price increases is again headed back to the Fed’s 2% goal.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Rachel Hale, USA Today, 20 May 2026
That threat was clearly aimed at discouraging the West from allowing Ukraine to strike Russia with longer-range weapons and appears to significantly lower the threshold for the possible use of Russia’s nuclear arsenal.
—ABC News, 19 May 2026
To discourage their presence, solve moisture and leaks in and around your home.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2026
However, markets expect that elevated levels of inflation and a stable labor market likely will discourage further easing until there’s ample evidence that the pace of price increases is again headed back to the Fed’s 2% goal.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
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While many fans have questioned the sincerity of the effort that A’s owner John Fisher and MLB made to keep the A’s in Oakland, MLB officials also grew frustrated by the process.—
Evan Drellich,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
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Just like their matchup against Las Vegas, the Avs are boxed in, frustrated, with no easy way out.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Some community activists spent recent weeks trying to dissuade Wasserman Schultz, who is white and Jewish, from running there.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
22 May 2026
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This change is well underway, and the very reasonable objections to this path will not dissuade the company.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
20 May 2026
Verb
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Raspy-voiced, hidden behind sunglasses, chewing gum, always intimidating.—
Jimmie Briggs,
Vanity Fair,
24 May 2026
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In traditional settings, people often feel rushed, intimidated, and unseen.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 May 2026
Verb
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The idea of enduring the ingredient’s acclimation phase, which can result in flaking, redness, and dryness as skin gets used to its power, has deterred me.—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
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Plants like daffodils, hyacinths, and marigolds are flowers that deter squirrels because of their bright flowers, taste, and smells that squirrels don't like.—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Looking at the digital thread in its entirety can be daunting, but building it in a piece-by-piece fashion helps manage the complexity.—
John Clemons,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
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How to get to the beach Gaspee Point is home to a private cottage colony with a gatehouse, which can be daunting for visitors.—
Antonia Noori Farzan,
The Providence Journal,
27 May 2026
Verb
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But the future Hall of Famer is coming off ACL surgery, might lack mobility, and has a receiving corps that frightens nobody.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
15 May 2026
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This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.—
Thomas L. Friedman,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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