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
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Recent Examples of discourages
The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages caffeine for kids under 12, and suggests a limit of 100 milligrams per day for teenagers.
—
Rachel Hale, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Critics say that using it distorts the truth of a performance, but supporters believe that the tech discourages disruptions.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Basil discourages mosquitoes and houseflies, while mint helps push back ants and mosquitoes.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
Stating it from federal authority stigmatizes depression treatment and discourages people from seeking care.
—Jonathan Slater, STAT, 13 May 2026
NestWatch discourages watering planters containing nests because this can lower the temperature of the eggs.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Edith interrupts their reading time, disciplines Grace in secret, and subtly discourages affection toward her father.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
The Dare Market app allows people to challenge one another to complete dares for prizes or money, but discourages users from breaking any laws, Perfito said.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
That ruling comes after a federal appeals court sided with Kalshi over New Jersey last month, boosting the fledgling industry’s hopes that the Supreme Court takes up the issue — and discourages Congress from passing any bill that might protect states’ lane.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 6 May 2026
Rachel Hale, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Critics say that using it distorts the truth of a performance, but supporters believe that the tech discourages disruptions.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Basil discourages mosquitoes and houseflies, while mint helps push back ants and mosquitoes.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
Stating it from federal authority stigmatizes depression treatment and discourages people from seeking care.
—Jonathan Slater, STAT, 13 May 2026
NestWatch discourages watering planters containing nests because this can lower the temperature of the eggs.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Edith interrupts their reading time, disciplines Grace in secret, and subtly discourages affection toward her father.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
The Dare Market app allows people to challenge one another to complete dares for prizes or money, but discourages users from breaking any laws, Perfito said.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
That ruling comes after a federal appeals court sided with Kalshi over New Jersey last month, boosting the fledgling industry’s hopes that the Supreme Court takes up the issue — and discourages Congress from passing any bill that might protect states’ lane.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourages
Verb
-
When the cityscape frustrates urban photographers with uneven terrain or limited spaces, photographic gear company Silence Corner strikes back with the Viperpod – a hybrid tripod designed to hang anywhere in seconds for unencumbered solo shooting.—
Shirl Leigh
May 06,
New Atlas,
6 May 2026
-
What frustrates me is that the Board has invoked emergency powers for rent policy while failing to declare an actual public health emergency for unsheltered homelessness — the one domain where the legal, moral, and practical case is overwhelming.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
The boldest part of Astra Nord’s strategy is its intention to begin building the 213-foot Neon on spec, in a market where spiking construction costs and uncertain demand dissuades many shipyards from the same.—
Dea Jusufi,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Any passenger who assaults, threatens, intimidates or interferes with airline crew members can lead to penalties of up to $43,658 per violation, according to the FAA.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
-
The aura of the classical guitar intimidates me.—
Peter Wayne Moe,
Longreads,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Those who deviate are eliminated, leaving a trail of blood that deters other would-be challengers.—
Daniel DePetris,
Twin Cities,
15 May 2026
-
Legumes enrich soil with nitrogen, radishes repel cucumber beetles, and garlic deters pests while maximizing space.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourages. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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