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
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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
Picollo said Royals hitters, who did not challenge any such calls against the Braves, are discouraged from challenging when ahead in the count.
—
Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
Rather than discourage new construction by piling on regulations, put the focus on existing buildings.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Such profligacy slows real income growth, deters hiring, discourages innovation and drives up interest rates.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
By effectively taxing research and development (R&D), the engine of growth, the proposals threaten to discourage innovation in semiconductors, energy, medicines, and other critical technologies.
—Tomas J. Philipson, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
Rather than discourage new construction by piling on regulations, put the focus on existing buildings.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Such profligacy slows real income growth, deters hiring, discourages innovation and drives up interest rates.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
By effectively taxing research and development (R&D), the engine of growth, the proposals threaten to discourage innovation in semiconductors, energy, medicines, and other critical technologies.
—Tomas J. Philipson, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
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Chris Kuhns, who worked as an investigator in the BOI for 20 years and wrote the shelved report into Ramirez’s death, was frustrated by the unit’s inability to accomplish what it was required to do by law.—
Joe Rubin,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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While experts say the funds are beginning to make a difference, the sluggish pace of spending in some communities, from the wine country of Grand Traverse County to mid-Michigan's Eaton County, has frustrated some state leaders.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The gruesome images of tanks blown apart by drones in Ukraine did not dissuade anyone from purchasing these systems.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
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Not even the Vatican taking offense to their swift affair could dissuade Taylor and Burton.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Traditionally, doxing refers to the release of someone’s personal information—a home address or phone number—with the intent to intimidate or to encourage others to retaliate.—
Oriana van Praag,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
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General Daily Insight for March 27, 2026 Having fun can make intimidating schedules much easier to handle.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After the war started, Rebin said that bombs would not deter him from driving to the capital once more to search for his son.—
Cora Engelbrecht,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
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Residents are also urged to secure garbage and avoid leaving food outside to deter wild animals.—
Eric Henderson,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The struggle for some dementia patients and caregivers just to get through the day can be daunting and stressful, but some programs in New York are helping alleviate stress.—
Cindy Hsu,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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After struggling against winning teams at the beginning of the season, the Lakers faced a daunting stretch of games that included Minnesota, Denver and Houston along with a six-game trip.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Some frighten people, while others delight them.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
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The marsupial escaped from Sunshine Farm in Necedah, a village about 90 miles away from Madison, on March 25, after being frightened by barking dogs, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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