discrete

adjective

di-ˈskrēt How to pronounce discrete (audio)
Definition of discretenext
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

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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 Instead of focusing on discrete technologies, understanding interconnected intelligent ecosystems will provide a competitive advantage. — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 The book is written in fragmentary fashion, discrete chunks of prose that accrete into a greater whole, much like the ancient mosaics that are among of the novel’s thematic touchstones. — Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 Photons of different infrared wavelengths and intensities excite different electronic transitions, moving an electron between discrete energy levels within the dot, rather than just producing more or less of a single signal. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026 That evening would exist forever, suspended, discrete and complete, in the eternal present of time and space. — Sheila Heti, New Yorker, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for discrete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discrete
  1. single
  2. separate
  3. detached
Adjective
  • Mitchell keeps streak alive Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell scored 17 of her 23 points in the second half to extend her WNBA single-season record to 18 straight games with at least 20 points.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Jose Altuve singled with two outs before Daulton Varsho drove in a run with single.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of single
Adjective
  • Nvidia is also discussing a separate arrangement involving as much as $350 billion in AI chips for the facility.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Its separate entrance, elevators, and staff have always set it apart from the surrounding casino ecosystem, offering a smoke-free, gaming-free environment with all the brand’s usual service signatures.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of separate
Adjective
  • Her detached limb is later shown lying on the ground as the violent confrontation between the two versions of Burke continues.
    — Krystie Lee Yandoli, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The new Garage Tilt Sensor and Outdoor Contact Sensor are built for places where standard indoor contact sensors don't really make sense, including garage doors, garden gates, sheds, storage units and detached garages.
    — Paul Lamkin, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of detached

Browse Nearby Words

discrepant
discrete
discretely
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Cite this Entry

“Discrete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discrete. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on discrete

Nglish: Translation of discrete for Spanish Speakers

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