Synonyms of discourages

discourages

verb

present tense third-person singular of discourage

1

as in frustrates

to lessen the courage or confidence of

I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frustrates
• intimidates
• disheartens
• frightens
• daunts
• dismays
• demoralizes
• unnerves
• scares
• bothers
• horrifies
• afflicts
• dispirits
• weighs
• worries
• troubles
• tries
• undermines
• saddens
• depresses
• throws cold water on
• unmans
• weakens
• chills
• browbeats
• cows
• bullies
• irks
• deadens
• distresses
• dampens
• debilitates
• vexes
• damps
• enfeebles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourages
• nerves
• cheers
• reinforces
• enforces
• animates
• emboldens
• buoys (up)
• assures
• enlivens
• strengthens
• heartens
• stimulates
• reassures
• gladdens
• fortifies
• inspires
• invigorates
• provokes
• steels
• excites
• lifts
• energizes
• stirs
• quickens
• boosts
• reenforces
• rallies
• galvanizes

2

as in dissuades

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

• dissuades
• deters
• inhibits
• diverts
• repels
• unsells

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourages
• persuades
• urges
• eggs (on)
• exhorts
• induces
• prompts
• impels
• prods
• goads

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of discourages

From wage gaps and career breaks to societal messaging that discourages risk-taking, the odds haven’t always been in our favor, but that doesn’t mean the outcome is fixed. —Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

This structure discourages innovation, shields regulators from scrutiny, and blocks new market entrants, creating a system that protects incumbents while deterring progress. —Susie Violet Ward, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

This mental filter encourages kindness and discourages dismissive or hurtful reactions. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

Law enforcement generally discourages or condemn . —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is an exception and discourages pediatricians in their clinics from treating unvaccinated patients. —Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2025

While employers are increasingly aware that neurodiverse individuals bring valuable perspectives to teams, stigma still discourages disclosure. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Toxic positivity often discourages critical feedback because it can be perceived as negativity. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Over time, this discourages creative thinking and leads to a lack of fresh ideas. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025