DETERRENT Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

deterrent 1 of 2

noun

Definition of deterrent

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult the homeowner put up a fence around his garden as a deterrent for animals

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deterrent

2 of 2

adjective

as in preventive

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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 deterrent

Noun

These are designed to replace the nation’s now-aging Vanguard nuclear missile submarines, which are the UK’s preeminent nuclear deterrent. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026 Interestingly, the researchers say the technology is absolutely harmless to jellyfish and to the surrounding marine ecosystem, serving only as an immediate deterrent. — New Atlas, 30 June 2026

Adjective

And it was confronted with the deterrent actions of the government. — Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025 This team has neither a point-of-attack defense on the perimeter nor a true deterrent interior presence. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deterrent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrent

Noun

But even Johnson is not immune to the bruising consequences of dealing with a president who critics say treats Congress as an obstacle, instead of an equal — frequently flexing his power through executive orders.

— Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Crews can drive directly into rivers or lakes without installing additional equipment, allowing the vehicle to continue moving even when water obstacles stand in the way.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026

Definition of obstacle

Adjective

Wisconsin girl began rabies treatment after bat bite The report comes as public health officials continue to warn about rabies risks following a recent case in Wisconsin, where a 6-year-old girl received preventive treatment after a bat bite.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Specifically, policymakers cite the importance of more preventive care in addition to lifestyle modifications such as a better diet and more exercise that improve health independent of healthcare provision.

— Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of preventive

Noun

To directly address these technical, safety, and regulatory hurdles, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the international energy technology firm Eni have established a new commercial engineering services company named RH3OVA.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
There are still some hurdles to get Trout to the game this year.

— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 July 2026

Definition of hurdle

Adjective

For all its functional details, like the four protective feet at the base, a spacious interior, and multifunctional pockets, there are fun ones to match.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 6 July 2026
First, the family in the West African nation of Guinea turned to a traditional healer who suggested protective amulets.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026

Definition of protective

Noun

The laminate reinforces the glass to create a shatter-resistant barrier, preventing shards of glass from flying out during extreme weather.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Staffers wheeled the barriers over from the adjacent University of Washington baseball complex.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of barrier

Adjective

Instead of scoring points, Richard was more focused on making the right defensive rotation, making passes and boxing out.

— Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
The game offers significantly deeper defensive play with smarter zone coverage and 31 playbooks, alongside a new fatigue system.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of defensive

Noun

He was charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence in connection with this case.

— Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Amber Moree, 21, was arrested on Tuesday and has been charged with accessory after the fact of murder, obstruction of justice and misprision, according to the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office.

— Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

Goalkeeper Matt Freese’s costly blunder in the 57th minute was an embarrassment that gifted the Belgians a third goal to all but seal the elimination loss.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Either way, the development is a public embarrassment for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, whose antagonistic, foot-dragging attitude in negotiations with his young core finally cost him dearly.

— Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of embarrassment

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deterrences

deterrent

deterrents

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

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Synonyms of deterrent

noun

adjective

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