1
as in frustrates
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 dissuades
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
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 discourages
Psilocybin encourages hair growth and discourages graying in mice.
—
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
When that environment potentially discourages risk-taking, open dialogue, or resilience, the intangible ROI of college erodes.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Also tamping down interest in visiting the big trees is the fact that the park management actively discourages visitors from identifying the tallest trees.
—Greg Sullivan, AFAR Media, 15 Sep. 2025
Some college policies will lead to a student’s suspension, expulsion or other academic discipline if they are found to be near drugs, which discourages students from reaching out for help during an overdose emergency, according to Haney’s office.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2025
That fear discourages innovation and stifles opportunity.
—Brad Rencher, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
These lawsuits have created a climate of fear that discourages businesses from offering diversified, high-return portfolios to their employees.
—Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Mercury’s clash with Uranus discourages you from moving more money around today.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
At the same time, the Brotherhood discourages any worldly attachment that privileges one person over another person, or over God.
—Hannah Gold, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
When that environment potentially discourages risk-taking, open dialogue, or resilience, the intangible ROI of college erodes.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Also tamping down interest in visiting the big trees is the fact that the park management actively discourages visitors from identifying the tallest trees.
—Greg Sullivan, AFAR Media, 15 Sep. 2025
Some college policies will lead to a student’s suspension, expulsion or other academic discipline if they are found to be near drugs, which discourages students from reaching out for help during an overdose emergency, according to Haney’s office.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2025
That fear discourages innovation and stifles opportunity.
—Brad Rencher, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
These lawsuits have created a climate of fear that discourages businesses from offering diversified, high-return portfolios to their employees.
—Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Mercury’s clash with Uranus discourages you from moving more money around today.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
At the same time, the Brotherhood discourages any worldly attachment that privileges one person over another person, or over God.
—Hannah Gold, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourages
Verb
-
This is part of a business model that has worked for TCU’s regular-season record, but increasingly frustrates fans who want to see a decent matchup in September.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The sharp jump in investor activity is likely due to their financial strength, which can often combat the state’s legendary low affordability that frustrates the common house hunter.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In the velvety elegance of Paris, Jacques (Guillaume des Forêts, nearly a Timothée Chalamet look-alike), a floppy-haired painter, dissuades Marthe (Isabelle Weingarten) from jumping into the Seine when her fiancé abandons her.—
Helen Shaw,
New Yorker,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The investigatory demand seeks to chill their services and advocacy, places an undue burden on Exodus to fulfill the request, exposes private information of its clients, and deters potential clients, according to the complaint.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Others believe the current short-term focus of the market deters companies from wanting to be publicly traded in the first place.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discourages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourages. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share