deterrents

noun

plural of deterrent
as in obstacles
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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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 deterrents Plug one into a wall outlet, but make sure to use it in combination with other deterrents. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026 Resident Margaret Deanesly Ziegler has installed everything from electric deterrents to a steel door to protect her summer cabin from bears, spending about $7,500 in the process, WSJ reported. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026 Peppermint and spearmint are the most common choices for reducing ant problems; however, catnip and other plants in the mint family can also be used as natural ant deterrents. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026 Lavender, rosemary, and basil are other effective natural pest deterrents. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 6 July 2026 Employ Essential Oils Citronella and peppermint oils are natural deterrents to bees and mosquitoes. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 26 June 2026 Nearly half of Gen Zers cited worries about their finances and personal well-being as deterrents from looking for jobs focused on helping others. — Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 24 June 2026 Nuisance complaint If someone were to lodge a nuisance complaint about a cat colony, the first thing the department would offer is deterrents, Knicely said. — Eva Flowe june 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026 Retaliation and alienation from team-mates and friends were also deterrents from speaking out, according to the report. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deterrents
  1. obstacles
  2. hurdles
  3. barriers
  4. obstructions
Noun
  • Bond yields Persistent inflation, tariffs and whipsawing gas prices are not the only obstacles complicating the task for the Fed.
    — Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Harley has some internal and external obstacles to make that happen.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstacles
Noun
  • Secondly, insurance and safety inspections remain critical hurdles.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Buyers still have to qualify financially, and coming up with enough cash to cover the seller's equity can be one of the biggest hurdles.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of hurdles
Noun
  • Structural inflation, fueled by government deficits, AI investments, low unemployment rates, growing trade barriers and energy disruptions, is reshaping the landscape for markets, according to Fidelity International.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The legislation was included on the 2025 list of global trade barriers compiled annually by the Office of the US Trade Representative.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of barriers
Noun
  • Even if a large storm has disrupted power lines or internet access, a high-quality walkie-talkie should transmit your communications, as long as there are no severe obstructions or blockage.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The bar also removed landscaping rocks and other potential obstructions to help water drain away from the property.
    — Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstructions

Browse Nearby Words

deterrent
deterrents
deterring
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Cite this Entry

“Deterrents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deterrents. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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