Showing results for discourages.

discourages

VERB

dishearten, dispirit

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alarm bother confuse dampen daunt demoralize depress dismay frighten intimidate irk scare trouble unnerve

STRONG

abash afflict awe bully chill cow dash deject deprecate disparage distress droop overawe prostrate repress try vex weigh

WEAK

beat down break one's heart cast down throw cold water on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist assure calm comfort encourage gladden hearten help inspirit make happy please reassure soothe stimulate uplift

STRONG

allow approve commend compliment laud praise

WEAK

inspire spur on

VERB

deter, dissuade; restrain

Synonyms

STRONGEST

curb frighten hinder impede inhibit prevent scare

STRONG

check chill control deprecate discountenance disfavor disincline divert indispose interfere obstruct quiet repress shake warn withhold

WEAK

disadvise hold back hold off keep back put off talk out of throw cold water on turn aside turn off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance aid allow assist calm comfort encourage facilitate forward help

STRONG

approve let go permit support

WEAK

hearten inspire inspirit spur on

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

McReynolds said allowing taxis into bus lanes "slows buses, discourages public transport use and undermines sustainable transport options".

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Taxing buildings and land together at the same rate discourages precisely the activity cities most need, namely new construction and redevelopment.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

However, colonoscopies -- the primary screening method used today -- can be costly and uncomfortable, which discourages many people from getting tested on time.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

They highlight that restrictive zoning is largely to blame for underproduction relative to job growth and concur that rent control is counterproductive as it discourages the addition of supply, even with strong demand.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

The prospect of fording this /aife-colored torrent discourages most people from traveling any farther.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer