as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the homeowner put up a fence around his garden as a deterrent for animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in preventive
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deterrent
Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Schoen doesn’t believe his presence will be a deterrent to coaching candidates.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
But the real value of such a treaty is its deterrent effect, discouraging countries from developing such weapons.
—Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Noun
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw test-flights of hypersonic missiles and called for a stronger nuclear war deterrent, state media said Monday, as Pyongyang ramps up weapons displays ahead of a major political conference.
—Adjective
Reuters reported last week that the fine would be modest, marking a change in Ribera’s approach with her predecessor’s deterrent hefty fines.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrent
Noun
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Joint pain that turns stairs into obstacles.—
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One other obstacle the White House will need to contend with, Hochstein said, is blowback from Gulf countries and from China.—
Adjective
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Despite over a century of investigation, there is still no cure, but advances in diagnostic tools, treatments and preventive strategies continue to offer hope for slowing the disease and improving quality of life for patients and caregivers.—
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For children, Arizona consistently ranks below the national average for preventive dental visits.—
Noun
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Billing Headaches Clearing the access hurdles to HIV prevention medicine was just the beginning.—
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Development of Greenland’s mineral resources is challenging because of the island’s harsh climate, while strict environmental controls have proved an additional hurdle for potential investors.—
Adjective
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Prokop faces four misdemeanor charges, including one count of a violation of bond — protective order, one count of evading arrest or detention and two counts of resisting arrest, search or transportation.—
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Regardless of whether that belief is true or not, the fact that it was even said caused people to be very protective of their kids because there was the possibility of danger.—
Noun
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As the balance grew, the payment portal became its own barrier.—
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This soap never strips the skin of moisture, leaving your face and body perfectly cleansed and your skin barrier stronger than before.—
Adjective
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Dak Brinkley shows pass rushing ability KU freshman defensive end Dak Brinkley recorded the first two sacks of his college career on back-to-back plays in the second quarter.—
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On the defensive end, Josh Moten had 3 of the 5 Southern Miss interceptions and 6 tackles.—
Noun
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In the aftermath, hundreds of rioters were charged with federal crimes, including assault, seditious conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding.—
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William DeFoor was identified as the suspect, and jail records show he was booked Monday on charges of vandalism, obstruction of official business, criminal damaging or endangering, and criminal trespass.—
Noun
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Vulnerability is currency on reality television, and after a season of exposing their own struggles and embarrassments, the other women are annoyed that Meredith wants to keep up appearances.—
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The current Giants are built to avoid embarrassment, not maximize upside — and Super Bowls require risk.—
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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