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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
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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
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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
Verb
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They were ultimately dissuaded by mortgage owners and housing authorities.—
Ann Rutledge,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
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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
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Separately, the judge said Aidan Kearney, a local blogger who has closely covered the case and is also facing pending charges for allegedly intimidating witnesses, will be exempt from a witness sequestration order.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2025
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While the towering shoes may seem intimidating, don’t let their large, often chunky heels fool you: PLatform shoes are among the most comfortable heels in any wardrobe.—
Nina Derwin,
Glamour,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Clarify What’s Allowed Uncertainty about what’s permitted can deter experimentation—especially among women, who are more likely to follow formal rules.—
Corinne Post,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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Only a major drive to rebuild the arsenal of democracy can deter China from taking Taiwan through force or other countries from similarly challenging the United States.—
MICHAEL BROWN,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Peterborough, however, will not be daunted by the challenge.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
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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
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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
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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 27 Apr. 2025.
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