DETER Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

deter

verb

di-ˈtər

Definition of deter

as in to dissuade

to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action we tried to deter him from his crazy scheme, but to no avail

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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 deter Dozens of artists including Billie Eilish, Hozier and Noah Kahan have since used it to enable fan-to-fan trading while deterring scalpers. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026 Dozens of artists, including Billie Eilish, Hozier and Noah Kahan, have since used it to enable fan-to-fan trading while deterring scalpers. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026 Delayed but not deterred by thunderstorms, the president used the nation's milestone anniversary for a personal and political celebration. — Susan Page, USA Today, 5 July 2026 Despite the hourslong delay due to approaching severe storms, audience members who returned to the venue do not appear to be deterred and are signing and dancing along to musical performances ahead of the president's address. — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for deter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deter

Verb

Leaders using this phrase create an unsafe psychological environment, dissuading any dissent or improvement curiosity.

— Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Nothing in your life has dissuaded you from these early surmises.

— Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Definition of dissuade

Verb

Many gardeners buy praying mantis egg cases (oothecae) from garden nurseries, but this practice is discouraged for two reasons.

— Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026
Applying a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch, such as straw or leaf mulch, will discourage weeds in garden beds, says Langelo.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

Definition of discourage

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detentions

deter

deterge

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“Deter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deter. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of deter

verb

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