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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in preventive
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deterrent
Robert Goulder, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024
One area in which this has happened—and another example of the deterrent effect of the threat of total war—is Washington’s deliberate restriction of Ukraine’s ability to attack Russian territory, at least in ways that involve Western weapons.
—Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 17 Feb. 2023
Vale responded by arguing that Trump's frauds impacted consumers by inserting false and misleading information into the marketplace, and that Trump's fine has a deterrent effect.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2024
By Yian Lee / Bloomberg September 20, 2024 4:10 AM EDT
Taiwan’s Constitutional Court upheld the legality of the death penalty but moved to limit its use, in a decision that strikes a balance between keeping the punishment’s deterrent effect and preventing its abuse.
—Yian Lee / Bloomberg, TIME, 20 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Adjective
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
One area in which this has happened—and another example of the deterrent effect of the threat of total war—is Washington’s deliberate restriction of Ukraine’s ability to attack Russian territory, at least in ways that involve Western weapons.
—Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 17 Feb. 2023
Vale responded by arguing that Trump's frauds impacted consumers by inserting false and misleading information into the marketplace, and that Trump's fine has a deterrent effect.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2024
By Yian Lee / Bloomberg September 20, 2024 4:10 AM EDT
Taiwan’s Constitutional Court upheld the legality of the death penalty but moved to limit its use, in a decision that strikes a balance between keeping the punishment’s deterrent effect and preventing its abuse.
—Yian Lee / Bloomberg, TIME, 20 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deterrent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrent
Noun
-
In Court Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Thursday, March 6th ‘Hamilton’ Cancels Kennedy Center Show Run In Protest Of Trump’s ‘Purge’ Despite these obstacles, female founders demonstrate remarkable resilience and innovation.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
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Trump, much like Putin, sees Ukraine as an inconvenience, an obstacle, something that should be grateful to even have a seat at the table.—
Illia Ponomarenko,
TIME,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This includes drinking alcohol in moderation (if at all), eating a balanced diet, embracing regular moderate to high-intensity exercise, engaging with others, and staying up to date with preventive healthcare screenings, among others.—
Brian Mastroianni,
Health,
6 Mar. 2025
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The preventive measures include staying well-hydrated, avoiding overexertion, and gradually acclimating to the heat.—
Russel Honoré,
Newsweek,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Gathering at Scripps Research’s third annual Pandemic Preparedness Symposium last week, researchers working in virology and chemistry did not bother to debate whether or not H5N1 avian influenza will clear this rapidly shrinking hurdle.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2025
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Today, these hurdles are now compounded by the circumstances of a mediatized, globalized present in which artworks are readily circulated and recontextualized online—made hyper-visible through social media and simultaneously flattened by the internet’s immediacy.—
Fabiola Iza,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Modern platforms remove those barriers, giving firms the ability to build new features, integrate better tools and actually keep up with what investors want.—
Charlie Gautreaux,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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Unfortunately, there are two barriers to accessibility.—
Julian Chokkattu,
WIRED,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Coach Ime Udoka's team plays stifling defense, No. 3 in the NBA in terms of defensive rating (109.8), and No. 5 in scoring defense (108.8).—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
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Meanwhile Prince’s rim protection made life difficult for Baylor on the defensive end as the Bears hovered around 20% shooting in the first half.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Rosario faces 20 years on the obstruction charge and five years for lying to the FBI.—
John Annese,
New York Daily News,
26 Feb. 2025
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This medication should not be used on pregnant or lactating animals, or animals with urinary, stomach or intestinal obstructions, high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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This isn’t just about saving influencers from embarrassment.—
Paige Musto,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
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The energetic big man tends to hand out the embarrassments to his opponents.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrent. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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