DISSUADE Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

dissuade

verb

di-ˈswād

Definition of dissuade

as in to discourage

to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action tried to dissuade her from her intention to drop out of college

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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 dissuade Such payment distortions can force primary care clinicians to chase higher visit counts at the expense of these other activities and dissuade future doctors and advanced care practitioners from entering the field. — Ishani Ganguli, STAT, 28 Aug. 2026 Following one incident with the actor, he was charged with seven felony counts, including assault, injuring a girlfriend and dissuading a witness from prosecuting a crime. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026 The focus will be on advanced heat management and battery performance, given temperatures exceeding 40°C can cut battery range by as much as 22%, dissuading potential buyers who frequently navigate long desert routes. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026 Ultimately, this resilience to biological attacks could dissuade malicious actors from attempting to use them in the first place, knowing that the effects will be minimized—a strategy of deterrence by resilience. — Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dissuade

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dissuade

Verb

This altruistic philosophy, however, doesn't discourage Obeid from partnering with, or promoting trendy food businesses.

— Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Moving these forces back from the likely front would keep its options open and discourage risk-taking by eastern NATO members.

— JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of discourage

Verb

Around Paris, Toulouse and Marseilles, local policies that deter suburban sprawl and promote new housing in city centers have slowed expansion of outer suburbs, a recent study found.

— Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Despite their apparent effectiveness at deterring speeding, cities have been slow to embrace rest in red.

— Jeff McMurray, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of deter

Browse Nearby Words

dissonant

dissuade

dissuaded

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

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Synonyms of dissuade

verb

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