deterrence

noun

Definition of deterrencenext
as in discouragement

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 deterrence For decades, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines have served as the starting point for nearly every sentencing hearing, producing lengthy prison terms intended to promote consistency and deterrence. — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 This includes intelligence and surveillance assets as well as long-range bombers, air-to-air refueling, and, ultimately, NATO’s nuclear deterrence. — Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 2026 The doctrine calls for the use of rapid and disproportionate force in order to establish deterrence, place pressure on decision-makers, and minimize the period of combat. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026 However, when measured by military capability, economic leverage, strategic positioning and long-term deterrence, the outcome is clear. — Shaun McCutcheon, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deterrence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrence
  1. discouragement
  2. instruction
  3. suppression
  4. repression
  5. charging
  6. bidding
  7. dictation
  8. direction
Noun
  • Despite the feeling of discouragement that can come with the rejections and even ghostings applicants face, these internships — though sometimes few and far between — still exist.
    — Cami Fateh, Vogue, 15 July 2026
  • Opposition, discouragement, and doubt surrounded the effort to rebuild.
    — Liesl Ehmke, Christian Science Monitor, 15 July 2026
Definition of discouragement
Noun
  • But a Canadian legislator took that idea to an embarrassing new level this week, reading an apparent LLM prompt instruction into the record during a floor speech.
    — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2026
  • Each specific kind of peptide carries a different instruction, explains LaValle, who is also chair of the International Peptide Society.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 24 July 2026
Definition of instruction
Noun
  • The number of Southern European fires and amount of land burned had decreased quite a bit from the 1980s to 2018, mostly because of better fire suppression and management techniques, Cordero said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • Mash Dogs at 5248 Democracy Drive closed for cleanup July 24 after the hood fire suppression system was activated and fire retardant landed on surrounding surfaces.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
Definition of suppression
Noun
  • Diosdado Cabello, who spent years overseeing Maduro’s apparatus of repression, remains in the cabinet.
    — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • The movement, which had roots in the medieval tradition of churches providing sanctuary for those fleeing persecution, was aimed at providing a safe haven for Central Americans running from political repression and violence in their home countries.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
Definition of repression
Noun
  • To tackle the persistent challenge of fast charging, experts are working to make powering electric vehicles as quick and effortless as possible.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026
  • Santa Monica and its residents have been locked in conflict with Waymo for more than a year, after the company began operating two 24-hour charging stations at Euclid Street and Broadway for its self-driving fleet.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of charging
Noun
  • Recent innovations, including new bidding and AI automation, have significantly boosted Snapchat's ad performance.
    — Sharon Edelson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • The bidding processes for the 2031 and 2035 tournaments launched in March 2025.
    — Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026
Definition of bidding
Noun
  • Earning certification typically takes two years or more and requires about 95 percent accuracy on dictation testing, command of legal and medical terminology, and in many states a license.
    — K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 17 July 2026
  • The keyboard also offers features like voice-to-chat dictation and a quick mic mute/unmute key, giving you easier access to functionality.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 13 July 2026
Definition of dictation
Noun
  • Josh Brolin's 2014 reveal as Thanos, donning the Infinity Gauntlet, set the direction for an entire saga years in advance.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • The flames are approaching Bordeaux again after the wind changed direction at midday, prefect Sophie Brocas said.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of direction

Browse Nearby Words

deterred
deterrence
deterrences
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deterrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrence. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on deterrence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deterrence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of spindrift

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All