as in demoralizing
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Dissimilar Words
1
as in frustrating
to lessen the courage or confidence of
I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dissuading
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 discouraging
Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Their status has been diminished by what has — charitably — been a really discouraging decade, featuring two separate relegations.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
High taxes squeeze margins and send a discouraging signal to firms.
—Andrew Rein, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026
But because we’re consistently inundated with longevity hacks and social media challenges touted as the key to a long life, it can be challenging and almost discouraging to figure out what actually works for us on a personal level.
—The Editors, Outside, 25 Dec. 2025
And this week, Robbie and Fennell upped the ante, weighing in with what may be the most discouraging news yet for hardcore devotees of Brontë’s Gothic text.
—Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2025
After playing just six discouraging games for his new team, Beal fractured his hip and underwent a season-ending surgery.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
After that equally disappointing, discouraging and discombobulated showing Pope alluded to a mysterious pre-game locker room issue.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025
As discouraging as that sounds, the McRib may be more widely available than this statement implies.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025
Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
The networks told producers to return when it had been made, in part due to the economic climate discouraging buying.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
This keeps moisture levels down, thereby discouraging rust.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
Some Fed officials have specifically argued that last year’s weak hiring is evidence that borrowing costs are too high and are weighing on growth and discouraging companies from expanding.
—Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Extreme heat, air pollution, and water stress are disrupting competitions and discouraging everyday participation, deepening inequalities in access to safe, inclusive places to play.
—Sebastian Buckup, Time, 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
Aggressive tactics have caused fear among legal residents and mixed-status families, discouraging community participation.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Yet seldom is heard a discouraging word when Darnold assesses what happened in New York, Carolina, San Francisco, or Minnesota.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Their status has been diminished by what has — charitably — been a really discouraging decade, featuring two separate relegations.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
High taxes squeeze margins and send a discouraging signal to firms.
—Andrew Rein, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026
But because we’re consistently inundated with longevity hacks and social media challenges touted as the key to a long life, it can be challenging and almost discouraging to figure out what actually works for us on a personal level.
—The Editors, Outside, 25 Dec. 2025
And this week, Robbie and Fennell upped the ante, weighing in with what may be the most discouraging news yet for hardcore devotees of Brontë’s Gothic text.
—Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2025
After playing just six discouraging games for his new team, Beal fractured his hip and underwent a season-ending surgery.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
After that equally disappointing, discouraging and discombobulated showing Pope alluded to a mysterious pre-game locker room issue.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025
As discouraging as that sounds, the McRib may be more widely available than this statement implies.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025
Verb
Perhaps the solution is as simple as Miss Manners issuing a polite, but stern, PSA or a witty bon mot discouraging this practice.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
The networks told producers to return when it had been made, in part due to the economic climate discouraging buying.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
This keeps moisture levels down, thereby discouraging rust.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
Some Fed officials have specifically argued that last year’s weak hiring is evidence that borrowing costs are too high and are weighing on growth and discouraging companies from expanding.
—Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Extreme heat, air pollution, and water stress are disrupting competitions and discouraging everyday participation, deepening inequalities in access to safe, inclusive places to play.
—Sebastian Buckup, Time, 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
Aggressive tactics have caused fear among legal residents and mixed-status families, discouraging community participation.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discouraging
Adjective
-
The demoralizing graffiti marring the main entrance to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 360 Lenox Ave.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
12 Feb. 2026
-
After a demoralizing six-game losing streak that looked to have ended their playoff chances, the Leafs now appear to have life.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Mack and the Chargers’ defense pressured quarterbacks Jalen Hurts of the Eagles and Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs, frustrating them and keeping them out of their comfort zones.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
20 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Kelly isn’t dissuading people from talking about his presidential prospects.—
Amie Parnes,
The Hill,
14 Jan. 2026
-
A little bout of volatility isn't dissuading Ed Yardeni from his bullish take on stocks.—
Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The bump was later ruled a penalty, but the disheartening finish had Santos-Griswold considering retirement.—
Aliza Chasan,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
-
If right, their conclusion implies a disheartening lesson amid the otherwise-welcome news.—
Charles Fain Lehman,
The Atlantic,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Altogether, the lawsuits pose a daunting threat to the city’s ledger and could cost well over $100 million.—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
-
While the world attempted to restore itself from a global pandemic, the Lakers finished 5-15 and longtime coach Trevor Gagnier was faced with a daunting challenge.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Make sure your squirrel-deterring methods are actually bird-safe.—
Heather Bien,
The Spruce,
10 Feb. 2026
-
In other words, placing a person’s actions under observation is an essential component for deterring malicious conduct.—
Paul Rosenzweig,
Washington Post,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
With little to no foil for this dismaying existence, however, Half His Age often succumbs to shock value in lieu of pushing beyond that which offends.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Democratic leaders actually were troubled by Mamdani’s rise (although their preference for a disgraced former governor was equally dismaying), but Democratic voters handed Mamdani a solid victory despite his radical positions.—
Steven Greenhut,
Oc Register,
28 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Lemon was charged with conspiracy against the rights of religious freedom at a place of worship and injuring, intimidating and interfering with the exercise of the right of religious freedom at a place of worship.—
Selina Guevara,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The Justice Department has charged Lemon and eight others in the case with conspiracy against rights and with injuring, intimidating, or interfering with the exercise of religious freedom at a place of worship under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discouraging. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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