as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the homeowner put up a fence around his garden as a deterrent for animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in preventive
Related Words
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 deterrent
Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025
Supporters of Proposition 313, referred to voters by the Legislature, argued that discretion in sentencing leads to shorter prison terms and that life sentences would have a deterrent effect.
—Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
The deterrent effect of these policies has proved difficult to measure and appears to have been quite limited.
—Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024
The First Circuit agreed with the lower court, holding that FBAR penalties — acknowledged to be partly deterrent in nature — are not subject to the constitutional protection against excessive fines.
—Robert Goulder, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Noun
Even if Russia ends up occupying eastern Ukraine, the cost of this limited victory will have a deterrent effect on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
—Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025
Supporters of Proposition 313, referred to voters by the Legislature, argued that discretion in sentencing leads to shorter prison terms and that life sentences would have a deterrent effect.
—Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
The deterrent effect of these policies has proved difficult to measure and appears to have been quite limited.
—Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024
The First Circuit agreed with the lower court, holding that FBAR penalties — acknowledged to be partly deterrent in nature — are not subject to the constitutional protection against excessive fines.
—Robert Goulder, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrent
Noun
-
This pattern of persecution, especially when combined with ongoing habitat loss, has likely contributed to low recruitment and remains a major obstacle to population recovery.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
-
Extreme heat can also be an obstacle to exercising, spending time in nature, and socializing, all of which can make people feel good and also double as important coping mechanisms for emotional distress.—
Yasmin Tayag,
The Atlantic,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
This would represent a radical shift: not just toward early diagnosis but true preventive care.—
Trisha Swift,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
-
Most policies pay for preventive care, like fillings and teeth cleanings, but not cosmetic work, and major procedures like root canals are largely charged to patients.—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
Scaling its use requires overcoming hurdles related to the transportation of bulky materials, establishing local milling facilities and securing access to renewable energy.—
Sahit Muja,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
One reason for the unexpectedly slow pace is that the Chinese companies have not cleared a key engineering hurdle.—
Selam Gebrekidan,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
According to WisDOT, as part of the planning process, noise analyses identified areas where the barriers would reduce traffic noise by at least eight decibels.—
Adrienne Davis,
jsonline.com,
10 July 2025
-
This interpretation aligns with the ADA’s broader purpose, which is to eliminate barriers that prevent full and equal participation in everyday life.—
Dekel Skoop,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Junior defensive back Peyton Bowen has some starting experience, while 2023 starter Genry Williams is back after his 2024 was cut short by injury.—
Matt Byrne,
Arkansas Online,
25 July 2025
-
The only way to have preserved its life in advance preparation would have been to give a harsh defensive clearcut to the pines that surrounded it, taking away the sound of wind through the branches and stripping the lodge of one of its best elements: the illusion of organic emergence.—
Tom Zoellner,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
Julie was additionally convicted of obstruction of justice and wire fraud.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
25 July 2025
-
Singer pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of justice.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
The event was widely viewed as an embarrassment for the administration.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
18 July 2025
-
But as George points out, embarrassment is one of the biggest barriers to getting on track.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share