as in demoralizing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in frustrating
to lessen the courage or confidence of
I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dissuading
to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action
the higher fines may help discourage drivers from speeding on the highway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discouraging
Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2025
The administration's actions are seen as expanding federal control and discouraging state innovation in healthcare programs.
—Steve Brozak, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Data indicates hundreds of popular titles have months-long waitlists — potentially discouraging library patrons and hurting circulation.
—Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 26 Dec. 2024
For those who do report, the process is often re-traumatizing, further discouraging victims from seeking justice.
—Chloe Laws, Glamour, 19 Dec. 2024
Lawmakers hope to lower drug prices for patients, taxpayers and employers by discouraging those companies from steering patients toward more expensive drugs to bolster their own profits.
—Catie Edmondson, New York Times, 18 Dec. 2024
The report also accused Amazon of discouraging injured workers from seeking outside medical care.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024
Cornell University began withholding early acceptance data with the Class of 2024, saying the reason for the change was to avoid discouraging qualified applicants by focusing on narrow acceptance rates.
—Anna Esaki-Smith, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Rejections can be discouraging, but a positive mindset is key to staying resilient in your job search.
—Dr. Cynthia J. Young, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
Indoor humidity levels are low in winter, and a room humidifier can help plants avoid stress while discouraging pests like spider mites.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2025
The administration's actions are seen as expanding federal control and discouraging state innovation in healthcare programs.
—Steve Brozak, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Data indicates hundreds of popular titles have months-long waitlists — potentially discouraging library patrons and hurting circulation.
—Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 26 Dec. 2024
For those who do report, the process is often re-traumatizing, further discouraging victims from seeking justice.
—Chloe Laws, Glamour, 19 Dec. 2024
Lawmakers hope to lower drug prices for patients, taxpayers and employers by discouraging those companies from steering patients toward more expensive drugs to bolster their own profits.
—Catie Edmondson, New York Times, 18 Dec. 2024
The report also accused Amazon of discouraging injured workers from seeking outside medical care.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024
Cornell University began withholding early acceptance data with the Class of 2024, saying the reason for the change was to avoid discouraging qualified applicants by focusing on narrow acceptance rates.
—Anna Esaki-Smith, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Rejections can be discouraging, but a positive mindset is key to staying resilient in your job search.
—Dr. Cynthia J. Young, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discouraging
Adjective
-
Americans, and a dismaying number of politicians, keep crying for a crackdown on crimes that aren’t happening.—
F.K. Plous,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Jan. 2025
-
The late President’s priorities were remarkably prescient, and his personal qualities offered a dismaying contrast to so much of the present state of American politics.—
Erin Neil,
The New Yorker,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Cal Fire has issued a red flag warning for the region, which is at risk of extreme wildfires fueled by daunting Santa Ana winds, low humidity and critically dry fuels.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA TODAY,
8 Jan. 2025
-
The United States does face its own daunting array of problems abroad and at home, but these pale in comparison to those China faces.—
Jude Blanchette,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
This new era of AI can feel intimidating for the limited, human life forms that created it.—
Marc Zao-Sanders,
Harvard Business Review,
17 Dec. 2024
-
Only six years older than Crystal, the comedian still found Scorsese intimidating.—
Lester Fabian Brathwaite,
EW.com,
16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
From his point of view, opposition at home has been quelled, sometimes murderously, and troublesome organizations such as the International Criminal Court, which issued an arrest warrant for Putin but is now facing U.S. sanctions, are in Trump's crosshairs too.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
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Suggested Reading Why big banks are transporting billions of dollars worth of gold on planes Hertz is finally done selling its troublesome Teslas — and the stock falls 10% Disney is pulling back on trigger warnings for old movies Palantir TK. Tesla.—
Francisco Velasquez,
Quartz,
13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
At least as troubling is that Bove ordered the dismissal of charges against Adams without prejudice, meaning they could be refiled at a later date.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2025
-
How Venezuela Helps Fuel Colombian Violence: A decades-old rebel group has waged the worst violence in Colombia in a generation, setting off troubling regional tensions.—
Atul Loke,
New York Times,
15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
My nose and mouth were full of blood, guts and a deep, upsetting warmth.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
Fox News,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Therefore, when something upsetting happens, the children’s schedule still stays intact.—
Jann Blackstone,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Warning: The following story elements, including photos and video, may be disturbing to some readers.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
-
The feature take is set amidst the 4th of July celebration, as a disturbing figure named Tommy Taffy emerges.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
And then there are Amazon’s worrisome clashes with Broccoli and Wilson.—
James Hibberd,
The Hollywood Reporter,
20 Feb. 2025
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Still, trailing by 20-plus in two games against non-tournament teams is a worrisome sign long-term, even with the massive comeback at Northwestern.—
Jim Root,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discouraging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discouraging. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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