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
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
-
These shifts signal a recognition that regulation is not an obstacle to progress but a critical enabler of responsible, adaptive innovation - especially when physically embedded in place.—
Kath Mackay,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Opposition within the medical field is also an obstacle.—
Megan Myscofski,
NPR,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
As a required preventive service under a provision of the Affordable Care Act, PrEP users are not supposed to face utilization management barriers, such as cost-sharing and prior authorization protocols.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
These same-day surgery centers are more convenient and less expensive for patients by providing care—including diagnostic and preventive procedures—without the need for an overnight stay.—
Newsweek Rankings,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 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
-
The 6-foot-3 college junior helped lead the Demon Deacons to a third place finish at the College World Series and is widely regarded as one of the best defensive infielders in the draft.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
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
-
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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