1
as in to frustrate
to lessen the courage or confidence of
I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to dissuade
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 discourage
These are designed in a way to discourage using them, Fred said.
—
Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
The birds’ splashing tends to discourage mosquito larvae development.
—Joan Morris, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
Travel is discouraged until further notice, officials said.
—Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Apr. 2026
The spicy taste can discourage deer from munching.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
The birds’ splashing tends to discourage mosquito larvae development.
—Joan Morris, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
Travel is discouraged until further notice, officials said.
—Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Apr. 2026
The spicy taste can discourage deer from munching.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
-
The letter was about a 50-year-old who was frustrated that a 70-year-old friend didn’t pick up the phone when called.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
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Bianco grew visibly frustrated several times over the debate’s format and his opponents’ answers.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In the credit card world, the r/churning subreddit boasts nearly 30,000 weekly visitors, and even has a whole FAQ section about dissuading the average person from engaging in churning, offering several reasons that Fred agrees with.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
27 Apr. 2026
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And the Times Magazine suggested the idea of discovering a similar past disparagement clause to the one that plagued HBO might dissuade any network from tackling a future Jackson project.—
Steve Knopper,
Rolling Stone,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Installing a pea gravel patio yourself may sound a bit intimidating.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
25 Apr. 2026
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Solo dining can be intimidating, but a recent rise in parties of one is changing that.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The front office also faced growing concerns about whether Reese’s presence would deter the signing of returning veterans and key free agents the Sky had targeted.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
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The elements used in xeriscapes—cacti, rocks, shrubs—deter foot traffic.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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What Brody and others are trying to dismantle is already part of a daunting corporate and technological superstructure.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
23 Apr. 2026
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Possibility is daunting, but possibility is also such a treasure.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Several critics said the legislation introduces too many unknowns, adding that with the artificial intelligence legislation also under consideration, Connecticut is moving towards regulations that could frighten companies looking to grow in the state.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
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Lee Cronin was both flattered and frightened when Jason Blum suggested titling his The Mummy reimagining as Lee Cronin’s The Mummy.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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