deterrent

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.

Can the U.S. pivot from a military deterrent to a more integrated strategy?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

They added: "I have sympathy for the change of ownership point, but it's hardly a deterrent if you can sell before you get caught... some actual transfer ban would have been appropriate."

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

US Navy ships would "provide a deterrent effect," and could also "respond if the tankers get fired upon," he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

That can serve as a deterrent to starting wars in the region, he said, but “also makes them more difficult to wind down.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

Like the majority of American law-enforcement officials, Dewey is certain that capital punishment is a deterrent to violent crime, and he felt that if ever the penalty had been earned, the present instance was it.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote