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
Judge Jeffrey Clothier, who was elected to Genesee County’s 67th District Court in January, said requiring as many as 100 shoplifters caught stealing from a local Walmart to wash cars for free would serve the community and possibly discourage others from stealing from the retail giant.
—
Landon Mion, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Tariffs can also discourage innovation by buffering industries from global competition.
—Caitlin Babcock, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Mar. 2025
Trump wanted to discourage DEI efforts by corporations and others.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
None of the other 23 states that allow initiatives, most in the Midwest and West, go so far out of their way to discourage them.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Landon Mion, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Tariffs can also discourage innovation by buffering industries from global competition.
—Caitlin Babcock, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Mar. 2025
Trump wanted to discourage DEI efforts by corporations and others.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
None of the other 23 states that allow initiatives, most in the Midwest and West, go so far out of their way to discourage them.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
Verb
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Any armchair sleuths hoping to test their clue-cracking skills will be left similarly frustrated by the fact breadcrumbs are practically non-existent throughout.—
Jon O'Brien,
IndieWire,
20 Mar. 2025
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In battle royale games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone, death is an immediate elimination, which can frustrate streamers trying to get exciting footage for their viewers — and there’s nothing more exciting than a win.—
Alyssa Mercante,
Rolling Stone,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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But that never dissuaded Tank from pursuing the opportunity.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
11 Mar. 2025
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In the movies, the role was small and played by Tane McClure as Elle’s mom and dad both tried to dissuade her from going to Harvard.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Trump files spurious lawsuits to force his targets to defend themselves financially and legally and intimidate others from crossing him — or to surrender and settle, as ABC News did.—
Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards,
Orlando Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2025
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Trying to circumvent that process by removing or intimidating a judge – with violence or with impeachment – could endanger both judges and their families, and American democracy, experts and legal scholars say.—
Henry Gass,
The Christian Science Monitor,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Offering the ability to pay in local currency further enhances affordability and accessibility, reducing psychological and financial barriers such as unexpected exchange fees or fluctuating rates that can deter purchases.—
Sergio Fogel,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
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Forty seconds into the Lakers’ home win against the Phoenix Suns, Hayes fulfilled his help defensive responsibilities by deterring Suns guard Devin Booker from getting to the rim on a drive from the left corner.—
Khobi Price,
Orange County Register,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Hawaii’s Terrain and Climate Pose Distinct Challenges On the mainland, a 22-mile out-and-back hike with 1,600 feet of elevation gain, typically wouldn’t daunt me.—
Jen Murphy,
Outside Online,
3 Mar. 2025
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Once her baby girl arrives, LeCroy says she isn't daunted by all that comes with a newborn, including the sleepless nights.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Seeing those kinds of numbers in headlines may have started to frighten U.S. consumers, data shows.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
4 Mar. 2025
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While full autonomy may frighten many, most drivers do still want automakers to focus on safety tech.—
John Koetsier,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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