1
as in to frustrate
to lessen the courage or confidence of
I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to dissuade
to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action
the higher fines may help discourage drivers from speeding on the highway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discourage
However, a blend of soil and sand is the best way to discourage moles from returning.
—
Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 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
Encouraging just buses risks discouraging subway use and reducing the overall efficiency of the combined system.
—Jonathan Cohn, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
Instead, the funds are being used to produce a narrative that diverts attention from a major public health issue and discourages the press from covering it.
—Eleanor M. Perfetto, STAT, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 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
Encouraging just buses risks discouraging subway use and reducing the overall efficiency of the combined system.
—Jonathan Cohn, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
Instead, the funds are being used to produce a narrative that diverts attention from a major public health issue and discourages the press from covering it.
—Eleanor M. Perfetto, STAT, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
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But now concerns have grown and even some of the airline’s most loyal customers are frustrated after the carrier rolled out a new boarding process to pair with the policy change.—
Dallas Morning News,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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The two upperclassmen used contrasting styles to frustrate TCU defensively.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Lithgow has said her views didn’t dissuade him from taking the role.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
8 Feb. 2026
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At the end of Biden’s term, the government put in policies to dissuade unauthorized border crossings.—
William Tong,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But overall, the Seahawks’ run game is far from intimidating, ranking 14th by DVOA and even worse by other advanced metrics, mostly due to an average offensive line with clear weak spots.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
8 Feb. 2026
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While the idea of pouring water through your nose can sound intimidating, millions of people swear by it for easing congestion and improving breathing.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Holding federal agents accountable will deter future abuses of power.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
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Councilmember Cheylynda Barnard, who authored the motion, expressed frustration with claims that a pause would deter businesses and result in job losses.—
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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On His Own Terms Playing one of fiction’s most iconic characters could feel daunting, especially with so many legendary portrayals already in the cultural consciousness.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
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Most contestants would find going into a game with a target roughly the size of Fiji as a daunting prospect, but Dee is not most contestants.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Konstantin, 4, a sociable boy, is often frightened by loud noises and guards, his parents said.—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
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Like the 1987 Kurt Vonnegut novel from which the restaurant took its name, Bluebeard encourages guests to drop their guard, surround themselves with other people and try something that frightens them a little.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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