as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the homeowner put up a fence around his garden as a deterrent for animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in preventive
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 deterrent
Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2026
And a thick hedgerow is no deterrent to foxes sneaking in to snatch small lambs.
—Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026
David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
But the real value of such a treaty is its deterrent effect, discouraging countries from developing such weapons.
—Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Noun
While price remains the top deterrent at 67 percent, the gap between affordability and availability has nearly vanished.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2026
And a thick hedgerow is no deterrent to foxes sneaking in to snatch small lambs.
—Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Reuters reported last week that the fine would be modest, marking a change in Ribera’s approach with her predecessor’s deterrent hefty fines.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
But the real value of such a treaty is its deterrent effect, discouraging countries from developing such weapons.
—Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrent
Noun
-
The system continuously maps nearby activity, such as detecting pedestrians, vehicles, and unexpected obstacles.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
-
And that really is a huge obstacle for the Chinese now.—
Jamie Lincoln Kitman,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Medical science has blessed our generation with an abundance of preventive methods — including vaccines — and treatments that enable a far greater percentage of us to live longer and healthier lives than our forebears.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Though Mahata said further studies and funding are needed to advance the work, the study introduces a powerful computational and experimental framework to accelerate the discovery of other preventive therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The biggest hurdles have been the logistics of assembling the designs in conjunction with partners WhiteWater West, which helped design Royal Caribbean’s water park as well.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
-
But for now, many families still face legal hurdles even in places where polyamory is becoming widely accepted.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Using advanced sensors and robotic manipulation, these nuclear nomads can perform inspections and repairs that previously required massive protective gear and strict time limits.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The supplement has been touted for its protective benefits, derived from its key component, omega-3 fatty acids.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Researchers in China have developed a new catalyst that helped a lithium-sulfur battery retain 93 percent of its capacity after 600 charge-discharge cycles, a step that could address one of the biggest barriers to commercializing the high-energy battery chemistry.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Three days after distance runner Sabastian Sawe became the first man to break the two-hour barrier in the marathon, his outfitter, Adidas, was still taking a victory lap.—
Sara Germano,
Sportico.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, considered the best run-stopper, was available when the Bills took Palmer.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Reese and Bailey can each stake a claim toward being the draft's top defensive talent.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The 13-year-old from Long Island, New York, had been born with ureterovesical junction obstruction, a rare congenital disease, where a blockage between the ureter and bladder causes urine to back up into the kidney.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
According to police, necropsy results for both of the dead dogs revealed a cylindrical obstruction, resembling a corn cob, as well as a black substance consistent with bedding material.—
Kellie Love,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Well, the new strike zone and the obvious embarrassment of having a call overturned has changed how umpires call balls and strikes.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
For the annual dinner to occur at the White House itself would be a huge—okay, an even huger—embarrassment and conflict of interest.—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
