Synonyms of discrete

discrete

adjective

di-ˈskrēt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• single
• separate
• detached
• private
• unconnected
• independent
• free
• individual
• disconnected
• freestanding
• unattached
• self-contained

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• connected
• joined
• attached
• linked
• adjoining

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of discrete

Like the hundreds of discrete inputs that supposedly build the case against Sara, each of these materials means little on its own. —Sam Worley, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025

While image diffusion models add continuous noise to pixel values, text diffusion models can't apply continuous noise to discrete tokens (chunks of text data). —Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025

As the Sinner case has made clear, no two doping cases are the same and comparing judgements made on discrete sets of facts and evidence is a limited exercise. —Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

Both the cardholder and the administrator have to consent to the arrangement, but the administrator doesn’t need to hold a financial power of attorney, since the card is funded with discrete deposits—not all of a holder’s assets. —Lindsey Choo, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025