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
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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
Experts said stringent requirements to document their work could discourage people who are otherwise eligible from applying.
—
Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 10 Oct. 2025
For two decades, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study discouraged many from pursuing hormone therapy—leaving an entire generation to suffer in silence.
—Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 10 Oct. 2025
In line with traditional eating disorder treatment, nutritionists at her residential clinic strongly discourage their patients from restricting calories.
—Claire Wilcox, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
What Type Of Fertilizer To Use Choose a slow-release or low-nitrogen fertilizer that’s high in potassium to nourish the roots while discouraging new growth as the lawn prepares for winter.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 10 Oct. 2025
For two decades, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study discouraged many from pursuing hormone therapy—leaving an entire generation to suffer in silence.
—Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 10 Oct. 2025
In line with traditional eating disorder treatment, nutritionists at her residential clinic strongly discourage their patients from restricting calories.
—Claire Wilcox, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
What Type Of Fertilizer To Use Choose a slow-release or low-nitrogen fertilizer that’s high in potassium to nourish the roots while discouraging new growth as the lawn prepares for winter.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
-
Laurene Allen, an environmental advocate who lives in Merrimack, New Hampshire, where PFNA was one of several forever chemicals discovered in drinking water in 2016, was awaiting the report and is frustrated and enraged by its delay.—
Sharon Lerner,
ProPublica,
10 Oct. 2025
-
The heated debate around the City Hall Project and picking apart the budget were two experiences in particular that frustrated Nguyen.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But some advocates say his posture is hardly unique among previous presidents, and they won’t be dissuaded from seeking to build consensus for tribal goals.—
Terry Tang,
Twin Cities,
13 Oct. 2025
-
In this scenario, the growing economic uncertainty surrounding the government shutdown is dissuading more buyers from purchasing properties this year.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Alarr’s unwelcome physical touching made Plaintiff feel offended, uncomfortable, humiliated and intimidated.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Don’t let the size of this plant intimidate you.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Studies show that fines that don’t put a significant dent in a company’s profit don’t deter companies from future violations, Leffel said.—
Anjeanette Damon,
ProPublica,
10 Oct. 2025
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Sirianni said the offensive line’s health has not deterred the Eagles from choosing to run the ball.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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So how does a teenager persuade his parents to embark on such a daunting adventure?—
Vanessa Romo,
NPR,
10 Oct. 2025
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This great replacement wave is especially daunting for models who are already seeing fewer opportunities in print.—
Donnetta Monk,
Essence,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Like the Earth sign, the righteous dog detective Scooby doesn't appreciate confrontation and gets frightened in scary situations.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
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Lina sniffs, stamps her feet in the snow to make her own set of giant prints to frighten this creature.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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