as in obstacles
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
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 deterrents
Use Natural Deterrents From Your Pantry To keep the rodents out of your yard for long periods, Schoenberg recommends sprinkling deterrents like hot cayenne, garlic, apple cider, peppermint, or coffee grounds around your plants and gardens.
—
Nashia Baker,
Martha Stewart,
25 June 2026
Nearly half of Gen Zers cited worries about their finances and personal well-being as deterrents from looking for jobs focused on helping others.
—
Avni Trivedi,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
Nuisance complaint If someone were to lodge a nuisance complaint about a cat colony, the first thing the department would offer is deterrents, Knicely said.
—
Eva Flowe
june 18,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2026
Try Natural Deterrents Aside from scented plants, some natural deterrents may also keep ticks at bay, including natural sprays that contain garlic, mint, or marigold extract.
—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 June 2026
The truth is that squirrels are a common rodent, and a little bit of damage caused by these critters might not be that big of a deal, and not worth the hassle of figuring out a bunch of different deterrents.
—
Molly Burford,
Southern Living,
6 June 2026
Retaliation and alienation from team-mates and friends were also deterrents from speaking out, according to the report.
—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Scare tactics, physical barriers, unpleasant deterrents, and lack of resources should keep squirrels away.
—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
28 May 2026
If an unknown person enters the property perimeter, the system can trigger deterrents including warning lights and voice alerts.
—
Paul Lamkin,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Nashia Baker,
Martha Stewart,
25 June 2026
Nearly half of Gen Zers cited worries about their finances and personal well-being as deterrents from looking for jobs focused on helping others.
—
Avni Trivedi,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
Nuisance complaint If someone were to lodge a nuisance complaint about a cat colony, the first thing the department would offer is deterrents, Knicely said.
—
Eva Flowe
june 18,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2026
Try Natural Deterrents Aside from scented plants, some natural deterrents may also keep ticks at bay, including natural sprays that contain garlic, mint, or marigold extract.
—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 June 2026
The truth is that squirrels are a common rodent, and a little bit of damage caused by these critters might not be that big of a deal, and not worth the hassle of figuring out a bunch of different deterrents.
—
Molly Burford,
Southern Living,
6 June 2026
Retaliation and alienation from team-mates and friends were also deterrents from speaking out, according to the report.
—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Scare tactics, physical barriers, unpleasant deterrents, and lack of resources should keep squirrels away.
—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
28 May 2026
If an unknown person enters the property perimeter, the system can trigger deterrents including warning lights and voice alerts.
—
Paul Lamkin,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrents
Noun
-
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.
-
Remember, your perspective shapes your reality—choose to see opportunities over obstacles.
Noun
-
Ro said interactive chatbots have technological hurdles to overcome, such as a mismatch between their verbal comments and their facial expressions.
-
Meanwhile, the technological and financial hurdles of fighting the sonic boom appeared insurmountable.
Noun
-
Families, educators and advocates described barriers to accessing proper support and services.
-
The Selma-to-Montgomery marches galvanized passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which did away with most barriers such as poll taxes and other forms of voter discrimination targeting Black Americans in the Deep South.
Noun
-
The alternating placements of the piles/objects are very precise, which creates a series of chicanes, indicating they are not intended as obstructions but rather to prevent rapid ingress and egress by any vehicle toward the tunnels.
-
Recent emergencies have included animals falling off a boat, lacerations from dog fights on the beach, clamshell ingestion, sand impaction, which can cause obstructions in the digestive system, and of course Lyme disease.
Cite this Entry
“Deterrents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrents. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
