discourage

verb

di-ˈskər-ij How to pronounce discourage (audio)
Definition of discouragenext
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

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 discourage If last week’s Atlanta News First debate discouraged direct confrontations, Tuesday’s Atlanta Press Club showdown gave the two rivals room to unload on each other. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 14 Oct. 2026 The defeat did not discourage the South San Joaquin Irrigation District from pursuing plans to supply hydroelectric power to Manteca, Ripon and Escalon, according to Bee reporting at the time. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026 If the person becomes defensive or tries to discourage you from checking their claims, consider that another warning sign. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Critics argued the rules discouraged students from coming forward with abuse allegations. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discourage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourage
  1. frustrate
  2. dissuade
  3. intimidate
  4. deter
  5. daunt
  6. frighten
Verb
  • Since then, Qatar has been frustrated by allegations leveled by Israeli political leaders that its payments to Gaza had helped finance the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Wright acknowledged that people are frustrated with the additional costs.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of frustrate
Verb
  • Analysts have said the film was challenging to market, given a major twist in the plot, and that Cruise’s nearly unrecognizable appearance could have dissuaded his fan base from coming out to support the film.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • His opposition to the California proposal wasn't enough to dissuade the state Democratic Party's executive board from endorsing the measure earlier this year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of dissuade
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 the books, Xaden is described as a large, dominating wing leader with dark, intimidating features who is highly revered by the rest of the Basgiath War College.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of intimidate
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
  • Other Mommy’s poor reviews did not deter the public, who merely wanted to see Jessica Chastain make that weird face some more.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of deter
Verb
  • California is home to lots of great schools, and picking one can seem daunting.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • For the techies engineering our future, talking to actual women can be a daunting prospect.
    — Nicholas Clairmont, Air Mail, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of daunt
Verb
  • Douglas admitted that his father’s behavior left him and brother Joel frightened.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • At the very start of the pandemic, while most Americans were hunkered down, frightened for their lives and worried about job loss, RealPage hosted a virtual pep talk for landlords.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of frighten

Browse Nearby Words

discounts
discourage
discouraged
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourage. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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