as in to dissuade
to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action
we tried to deter him from his crazy scheme, but to no avail
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 deter
Basil is also known to deter aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
Dye said the conversation evolved into how to deter people from engaging in unsafe behavior.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
This budget does little to help New York State regain its standing as the nation’s leading state, deter individuals and companies from leaving for other states, or allocate sufficient funding to undertake investment in the future of the state.
—Eric J. Gertler, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025
Putin would never help the United States deter or contain China.
—Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deter
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
Dye said the conversation evolved into how to deter people from engaging in unsafe behavior.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
This budget does little to help New York State regain its standing as the nation’s leading state, deter individuals and companies from leaving for other states, or allocate sufficient funding to undertake investment in the future of the state.
—Eric J. Gertler, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025
Putin would never help the United States deter or contain China.
—Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deter
Cite this Entry
“Deter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deter. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share