DISCRETE Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'discrete' different from other adjectives like it?

The words distinct and separate are common synonyms of discrete . While all three words mean "not being each and every one the same," discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection. // broke the job down into discrete stages

Q: When can 'distinct' be used instead of 'discrete'?

The meanings of distinct and discrete largely overlap; however, distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others. // two distinct versions

Q: When could 'separate' be used to replace 'discrete'?

The synonyms separate and discrete are sometimes interchangeable, but separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things. // separate rooms

discrete

adjective

di-ˈskrēt

Definition of discrete next

as in single

not physically attached to another unit several discrete sections to this vast medical complex, including a college of pharmacology and a research center

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How is the word discrete different from other adjectives like it?

The words distinct and separate are common synonyms of discrete. While all three words mean "not being each and every one the same," discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection.

broke the job down into discrete stages

When can distinct be used instead of discrete?

The meanings of distinct and discrete largely overlap; however, distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others.

two distinct versions

When could separate be used to replace discrete?

The synonyms separate and discrete are sometimes interchangeable, but separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things.

separate rooms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of discrete People can admire the brilliance of the bracelets and statues as discrete objects whether in London, New York, or Lagos, and perhaps even more so when viewing them in relation to other cultures—because the bronzes themselves were a product of exchange with another culture, the Portuguese. —

Ralph Leonard, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025 The company's effective tax rate for the quarter was 35.5%, impacted by a discrete tax expense related to the write-off of foreign deferred tax assets and other factors. —

Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 31 Jan. 2025 Indeed, many students end up barely able to write small functions – short, discrete pieces of code – let alone write a full program that can help make their lives better. —

Daniel Zingaro, The Conversation, 31 Jan. 2025 Rohe holds a doctorate in discrete mathematics from the University of Bonn in Germany. —

Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for discrete

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discrete

Adjective

That would leave an even smaller 217-215 majority for a few months – so House Republicans can't lose a single vote and still pass bills.

— Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
The seams are sealed so not a single drop of moisture seeps through, and five zippered pockets keep your essentials dry.

— Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2025