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.

The quiet inclusion suggests that the foundational machinery of the U.S.-Japan alliance continues to signal a shared deterrent against Beijing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 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

She said the grills had worked as a deterrent, not only stopping drinkers from damaging her windows, but also preventing them from sitting on her window sills and putting their glasses on them.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 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