as in dissuades
to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action
we tried to deter him from his crazy scheme, but to no avail
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Recent Examples of deters
Such profligacy slows real income growth, deters hiring, discourages innovation and drives up interest rates.
—
Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
This deters patients from using other opioids while on the medication.
—Rachel French, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
The aromatic foliage of sages (including herb species) deters aphids and Japanese beetles, while the blossoms support a host of beneficial insects.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
Which scent deters wasps the most?
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 5 Mar. 2026
Green expressed an eagerness to roam defensively beside Porzingis, who alters shots and deters attacks based on where he’s stationed in the paint.
—Sam Gordon, San Francisco Chronicle, 6 Feb. 2026
Collective action deters bullies Harvard never stood alone.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026
The presence of thimerosal deters growth of any germs.
—Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 30 Jan. 2026
Locke argued that the perception of cooperation between local police and ICE undermines community trust and deters people from contacting law enforcement.
—Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson, San Antonio Express-News, 24 Jan. 2026
Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
This deters patients from using other opioids while on the medication.
—Rachel French, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
The aromatic foliage of sages (including herb species) deters aphids and Japanese beetles, while the blossoms support a host of beneficial insects.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
Which scent deters wasps the most?
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 5 Mar. 2026
Green expressed an eagerness to roam defensively beside Porzingis, who alters shots and deters attacks based on where he’s stationed in the paint.
—Sam Gordon, San Francisco Chronicle, 6 Feb. 2026
Collective action deters bullies Harvard never stood alone.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026
The presence of thimerosal deters growth of any germs.
—Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 30 Jan. 2026
Locke argued that the perception of cooperation between local police and ICE undermines community trust and deters people from contacting law enforcement.
—Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson, San Antonio Express-News, 24 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deters
Verb
-
The Live With Kelly and Mark host engaged in a titillating conversation with husband Mark Consuelos on Wednesday's edition of the beloved talk show, with the star admitting that her oral retainer sometimes dissuades her husband's advances in the bedroom.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Apr. 2026
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The difficulty of challenging an arbitrator’s award sometimes dissuades the losing party from spending the time and money necessary to mount a viable challenge.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Deadline has spoken to dozens of members who confirm that WGAW leadership discourages rank-and-file members from speaking ill of the union in public — and especially to the press.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2026
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At the same time, deploying strategic sobriety checkpoints — particularly during peak-risk periods — can likewise ensure that law enforcement not only follows up on harm but also actively discourages dangerous behavior.—
Sean M. Cleary,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deters. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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