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 These are just a few of the financial barriers that deter applicants and lead as many as one-quarter of the nation’s aspiring physicians to reconsider enrollment or to switch to nonclinical career paths. — Marj Halperin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Chili Oil Like other spices, chili oil can be used to deter mice. — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 28 Aug. 2026 To New Yorkers, this won’t deter them, as they are used to waiting in long lines for famously good food. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 The nectar contains grayanotoxin, a chemical the plant likely evolved to deter insects that steal nectar without pollinating the flower. — Prayan Pokharel, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deter

Verb

Following one incident with the actor, he was charged with seven felony counts, including assault, injuring a girlfriend and dissuading a witness from prosecuting a crime.

— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
The focus will be on advanced heat management and battery performance, given temperatures exceeding 40°C can cut battery range by as much as 22%, dissuading potential buyers who frequently navigate long desert routes.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of dissuade

Verb

This altruistic philosophy, however, doesn't discourage Obeid from partnering with, or promoting trendy food businesses.

— Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Moving these forces back from the likely front would keep its options open and discourage risk-taking by eastern NATO members.

— JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of deter

verb

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