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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in preventive
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deterrent
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
29 June 2026
Additionally, small gravel traps have been added to the final two corners as a natural deterrent, as well as on the approach to Turn 7 — where McLaren’s Oscar Piastri hit trouble in GP qualifying in 2024.
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Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
But the real value of such a treaty is its deterrent effect, discouraging countries from developing such weapons.
—
Liyam Chitayat,
Foreign Affairs,
28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Noun
To gently keep birds out of your planters, check them often and use subtle deterrents like peppermint cotton balls or shiny hanging strips.
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Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
29 June 2026
Additionally, small gravel traps have been added to the final two corners as a natural deterrent, as well as on the approach to Turn 7 — where McLaren’s Oscar Piastri hit trouble in GP qualifying in 2024.
—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
Adjective
Reuters reported last week that the fine would be modest, marking a change in Ribera’s approach with her predecessor’s deterrent hefty fines.
—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
But the real value of such a treaty is its deterrent effect, discouraging countries from developing such weapons.
—
Liyam Chitayat,
Foreign Affairs,
28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrent
Noun
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But even Johnson is not immune to the bruising consequences of dealing with a president who critics say treats Congress as an obstacle, instead of an equal — frequently flexing his power through executive orders.
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Crews can drive directly into rivers or lakes without installing additional equipment, allowing the vehicle to continue moving even when water obstacles stand in the way.
Adjective
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Wisconsin girl began rabies treatment after bat bite The report comes as public health officials continue to warn about rabies risks following a recent case in Wisconsin, where a 6-year-old girl received preventive treatment after a bat bite.
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Specifically, policymakers cite the importance of more preventive care in addition to lifestyle modifications such as a better diet and more exercise that improve health independent of healthcare provision.
Noun
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However, there are still some hurdles to surmount, particularly financing.
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Here’s how experts suggest overcoming these hurdles.
Adjective
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Repeatedly, agents had to admit that no crime scene tape was laid out, and no other protective measures were taken until after the Palisades fire burned over the Lachman scene.
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Decisions about protective security are made by the Home Office, not the monarch.
Noun
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The laminate reinforces the glass to create a shatter-resistant barrier, preventing shards of glass from flying out during extreme weather.
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Staffers wheeled the barriers over from the adjacent University of Washington baseball complex.
Adjective
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Meyers has long been one of the sport’s most underrated defensive center fielders.
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Yirenkyi is a key force for Ghana, which is defensive-minded and looks to hit teams with the counterattack.
Noun
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He was charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence in connection with this case.
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Amber Moree, 21, was arrested on Tuesday and has been charged with accessory after the fact of murder, obstruction of justice and misprision, according to the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office.
Noun
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Sitting around a table in the soundstage where the pilot for I Love Lucy was filmed, the six of them tailored the roles to the actors and infused the script with arguments, embarrassments, and confessions from their own relationships.
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In 1952, Sarris’ teenage mother gave him up for adoption, her family hoping to evade the embarrassment of their Jewish daughter becoming pregnant by a Native American Filipino man.
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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