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
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
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
Such profligacy slows real income growth, deters hiring, discourages innovation and drives up interest rates.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 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
Critics like López-Owens see it as a prime example of how the establishment discourages new voices from getting involved.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026
The blueprint also discourages Congress from taking up AI copyright issues.
—Hayden Field, The Verge, 20 Mar. 2026
In the videos, the man seems aware of people’s plans to visit the island but often discourages them from going.
—Bruna Horvath, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026
That's why Schwartz discourages people from self-diagnosing and treating with cleanses.
—Sarah Boden, NPR, 16 Mar. 2026
Katie Campione, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
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
Such profligacy slows real income growth, deters hiring, discourages innovation and drives up interest rates.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 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
Critics like López-Owens see it as a prime example of how the establishment discourages new voices from getting involved.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026
The blueprint also discourages Congress from taking up AI copyright issues.
—Hayden Field, The Verge, 20 Mar. 2026
In the videos, the man seems aware of people’s plans to visit the island but often discourages them from going.
—Bruna Horvath, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026
That's why Schwartz discourages people from self-diagnosing and treating with cleanses.
—Sarah Boden, NPR, 16 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourages
Verb
-
Alesia and Mike’s constant absent-mindedness frustrates Jenna and Daisy.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
-
One result of the existing system is that vote tabulations in California go on for weeks, something that frustrates the public and the media, and, in the current atmosphere, helps fuel suspicion of electoral skullduggery.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
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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The case has heightened concerns among Canada’s Iranian diaspora, many of whom have warned for years that Tehran monitors and intimidates critics abroad.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Maybe her coolness intimidates them, or her green eyes.—
Rodrigo Hasbún,
Literary Hub,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
While rosemary’s fragrance deters many pest insects, alyssum’s flowers attract beneficial bugs that feed on nuisance pests.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Apr. 2026
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Such profligacy slows real income growth, deters hiring, discourages innovation and drives up interest rates.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourages. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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