as in deterrent
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as in dissuading
to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action
we tried to deter him from his crazy scheme, but to no avail
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deterring
Heather Bien, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
In other words, placing a person’s actions under observation is an essential component for deterring malicious conduct.
—Paul Rosenzweig, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026
Colombian officials said Petro planned to focus on defending his record in deterring drug trafficking, even though cocaine production is rising in Colombia.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Mothballs are not effective at deterring mice and can pose serious health risks to people and pets.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 25 Jan. 2026
But critics say the costly project — some analysts put its price tag at as much as $1 trillion — could have the unintended effect of triggering an arms race, rather than deterring adversarial behavior.
—Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 23 Jan. 2026
One of those two justices focused on how it was underused, rendering it ineffectual for deterring others from committing crimes.
—Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
The department will have a presence all over the city during the tournament, Whittaker said, with hopes of visibly deterring crime and keeping the peace.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2026
Why has Hochul stalled on the Propel transmission line from upstate to NYC, deterring solar providers from making investments in this cheap, clean fuel?
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
Make sure your squirrel-deterring methods are actually bird-safe.
—Heather Bien, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
In other words, placing a person’s actions under observation is an essential component for deterring malicious conduct.
—Paul Rosenzweig, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026
Colombian officials said Petro planned to focus on defending his record in deterring drug trafficking, even though cocaine production is rising in Colombia.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Mothballs are not effective at deterring mice and can pose serious health risks to people and pets.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 25 Jan. 2026
But critics say the costly project — some analysts put its price tag at as much as $1 trillion — could have the unintended effect of triggering an arms race, rather than deterring adversarial behavior.
—Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 23 Jan. 2026
One of those two justices focused on how it was underused, rendering it ineffectual for deterring others from committing crimes.
—Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
The department will have a presence all over the city during the tournament, Whittaker said, with hopes of visibly deterring crime and keeping the peace.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2026
Why has Hochul stalled on the Propel transmission line from upstate to NYC, deterring solar providers from making investments in this cheap, clean fuel?
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterring
Adjective
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Will blowing up boats stop fentanyl deaths in the U.S.? Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, meanwhile, has said Trump's military strikes near Venezuela are already having a deterrent effect on drug cartels.—
Brian Mann,
NPR,
31 Dec. 2025
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This team has neither a point-of-attack defense on the perimeter nor a true deterrent interior presence.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
27 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Kelly isn’t dissuading people from talking about his presidential prospects.—
Amie Parnes,
The Hill,
14 Jan. 2026
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A little bout of volatility isn't dissuading Ed Yardeni from his bullish take on stocks.—
Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Extreme heat, air pollution, and water stress are disrupting competitions and discouraging everyday participation, deepening inequalities in access to safe, inclusive places to play.—
Sebastian Buckup,
Time,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Although Samuel and his siblings may have two very talented parents, the kids tend to stay out of the spotlight—and their parents are actively discouraging careers in Hollywood.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deterring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterring. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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