DISCOURAGEMENTS Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

discouragement

noun

di-ˈskər-ij-mənt

Definition of discouragement

as in despair

the state of being discouraged I tried desperately to avoid discouragement after failing the bar exam twice

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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 discouragement The bigger risk, according to the research, is the discouragement that leads people to stop trying entirely. — Allison Palmer updated June 13, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026 However, according to our survey, nearly 80% of employees don't go through any kind of accommodation request process, stating concerns about retaliation or active discouragement from leadership. — Seth Turner, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 More than 100 Manus employees moved into Meta’s Singapore offices in early March, CNBC has learned, signaling the controversial AI business deal has moved ahead despite Beijing’s discouragement. — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026 Be aware that this discouragement might not be based on solid facts, but rather on disappointed hopes and wishes. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discouragement

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discouragement

Noun

Along with a brief moment of tenderness Sara experiences with her class’s resident dork, this feminine camaraderie makes for a nugget of niceness in a sea of despair.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
Yet the film’s firmest punch is packed in the despair and dignity of Sul’s performance, as a man coming to terms with how much he’s lost.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of despair

Noun

Most, hosted by a coalition of local Democratic groups, discussed dismay at the number of deaths in the county jail and the reduction of polling locations.

— Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
Russia's surprise return to the table sparked dismay among European officials, who opposed appearing with Siluanov in the traditional G20 photo, which was ultimately taken without the Russian minister.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of dismay

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discouraged

discouragement

discourages

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“Discouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discouragement. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of discouragement

noun

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