discouragement synonyms

Princeton's WordNet

1. discouragement, disheartenment, dismay(noun)

   the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles

   Synonyms:
   alarm, dismay, disheartenment, discouragement, consternation

   Antonyms:
   encouragement

2. discouragement(noun)

   the expression of opposition and disapproval

   Synonyms:
   dismay, disheartenment

   Antonyms:
   encouragement

3. discouragement(noun)

   the act of discouraging

   Synonyms:
   dismay, disheartenment

   Antonyms:
   encouragement

English Synonyms and Antonyms

1. discouragement

   Discouragement is the result of so much repulse or failure as wears out courage. Discouragements too frequent and long continued may produce a settled hopelessness. Hopelessness is negative, and may result from simple apathy; despondency and despair are more emphatic and decided. Despondency is an incapacity for the present exercise of hope; despair is the utter abandonment of hope. Despondency relaxes energy and effort and is always attended with sadness or distress; despair may produce a stony calmness, or it may lead to desperation. Desperation is energized despair, vigorous in action, reckless of consequences.

   Synonyms:
   despair, desperation, despondency, hopelessness

   Antonyms:
   anticipation, assurance, cheer, confidence, courage, elation, encouragement, expectancy, expectation, hope, hopefulness, trust

Dictionary of English Synonymes

1. discouragement(n.)

   Synonyms:
   disheartening

2. discouragement(n.)

   Synonyms:
   dissuasion, dehortation, counter influence

3. discouragement(n.)

   Synonyms:
   embarrassment, hinderance, obstacle, impediment, damper, wet blanket, cold water

PPDB, the paraphrase database

List of paraphrases:

despondency, dismay, disappointment, deterrence