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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in preventive
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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
Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025
Supporters of Proposition 313, referred to voters by the Legislature, argued that discretion in sentencing leads to shorter prison terms and that life sentences would have a deterrent effect.
—Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
The deterrent effect of these policies has proved difficult to measure and appears to have been quite limited.
—Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024
The First Circuit agreed with the lower court, holding that FBAR penalties — acknowledged to be partly deterrent in nature — are not subject to the constitutional protection against excessive fines.
—Robert Goulder, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Noun
Even if Russia ends up occupying eastern Ukraine, the cost of this limited victory will have a deterrent effect on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
—Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025
Supporters of Proposition 313, referred to voters by the Legislature, argued that discretion in sentencing leads to shorter prison terms and that life sentences would have a deterrent effect.
—Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
The deterrent effect of these policies has proved difficult to measure and appears to have been quite limited.
—Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024
The First Circuit agreed with the lower court, holding that FBAR penalties — acknowledged to be partly deterrent in nature — are not subject to the constitutional protection against excessive fines.
—Robert Goulder, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrent
Noun
-
The branches of the military, which maintain their own communication networks, have their own obstacles.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
-
This grass chopper is easy to set up, runs quietly, boasts a solid battery life and automatic charging, and easily maps your mowing area (even with obstacles).—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Those preventive measures include trimming overgrown yards and clearing out food that rats can easily access, Campbell said, gesturing at several green apples that had fallen from a nearby tree and were starting to rot.—
William Tong,
Chicago Tribune,
12 July 2025
-
The 2012 law required insurers to provide at no cost the preventive services that were approved as highly effective.—
David G. Savage
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Frequently the Swedes have been impressive in the early stages of tournaments only to fall at the final hurdle.—
Asif Burhan,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
One of the biggest hurdles was the architecture of the building.—
Meredith G. White,
AZCentral.com,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
This interpretation aligns with the ADA’s broader purpose, which is to eliminate barriers that prevent full and equal participation in everyday life.—
Dekel Skoop,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Cities in eastern Contra Costa County, including Antioch and Pittsburg, are expected to break the 100-degree barrier on Thursday and then perhaps again on Friday, while Concord is expected to peak at 99 on Friday.—
Rick Hurd,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
As for his defensive game, neither of the past two Padres managers, one of them former catcher Bob Melvin, seemed wild about it.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
His production came despite often dealing with defensive menace Carter Bryant, who San Antonio selected 14th overall this year.—
Bobby Krivitsky,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
Even after stopping at an intersection, drivers may need to crane their necks to see around obstructions such as trees, light poles or sign posts that block visibility.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
10 July 2025
-
An 11th person has been charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy.—
Dallas Morning News,
Twin Cities,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Indeed, President Trump will probably never appeal his executive order losses in lower courts to avoid the embarrassment of losing in the Supreme Court populated with three Trump appointees.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
30 June 2025
-
Our parade in Fort Lauderdale was a fitting tribute to a great hockey team, while Trump’s embarrassment of a parade was a fitting tribute to a failed presidency.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share