DETERRING Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

deterring 1 of 2

adjective

as in deterrent

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

deterring

2 of 2

verb

present participle of deter

as in dissuading

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

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 deterring

Verb

The network of large bases that Washington built after the 1991 Gulf War is now vulnerable to Iranian drones and ballistic missiles, offering Tehran targets and leverage rather than deterring it from taking military action. — Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026 The shortage of supply elsewhere in London will get worse next year, Khan says, blaming it on UK regulations that have driven up construction costs, deterring new development. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026 The state-by-state policy differences could pose a challenge for interstate truckers, however, deterring some vehicle owners who fear local law enforcement, De Haan said. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 The policy could have affected legally present immigrants, Temporary Protected Status holders and DACA recipients, while burdening underfunded agencies and deterring families from seeking help. — Moriah Balingit, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 The mayor's office said the checkpoints appeared to be successful in deterring some criminal activity, like preventing underage patrons from accessing bars. — Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026 Far from deterring visitors, the presence of sharks is helping fuel a whole new type of tourism. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026 Johannès and Janelle Salaün (Valkyries) are some of the most willing shooters in the world, and their unorthodox shot releases keep good defense from deterring them. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Despite their apparent effectiveness at deterring speeding, cities have been slow to embrace rest in red. — Jeff McMurray, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterring

Adjective

So when there are cases where there is blatant lack of deterrent effect of a sanction, the commission may open infringement procedures.

— Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2026
One thing to keep in mind is that the deterrent effect of coffee grounds may be more temporary than other methods.

— Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 7 Mar. 2026

Definition of deterrent

Verb

Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang of Arcadia, who were arrested at their home Tuesday morning, were set to be charged with several felonies, including conspiracy to commit child abuse and dissuading a witness, DA Nathan Hochman said.

— Austin Turner, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Guojun Xuan, 66, and his wife, Silvia Zhang, 39, face several counts of child abuse, as well as conspiracy to commit child abuse, accessory after the fact, and dissuading a witness, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of dissuading

Verb

Amid reports of a surge in federal immigration raids, Los Angeles leaders and immigration advocates said Friday that the efforts appear aimed at discouraging turnout in the midterm elections, and urged voters not to be intimidated.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
In response, Cobb County police plan to increase patrols on and around the holiday and other departments are discouraging participation.

— Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of discouraging

Browse Nearby Words

deterrents

deterring

deters

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“Deterring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterring. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deterring

adjective

verb

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