Thesaurus results for DESCANT

descant 1 of 2

verb

ˈdes-ˌkant

Definition of descant

as in to speak

to give a formal often extended talk on a subject an English professor who loves to descant on his beloved Shakespeare

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to chant

to produce musical sounds with the voice the world-famous soprano descanted above the melody line

Synonyms & Similar Words

descant

2 of 2

noun

variants also discant

as in chorus

Related Words

as in observation

Related Words

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 descant

Noun

For seven decades, Katz has been providing a visual descant to the work of the New York School of poets, many of whom were his friends. — Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2022 Bart, too idiosyncratic merely to copy the idiosyncrasies of the movie’s Christopher Lloyd, instead adds a descant of commentary atop them, sometimes seeming to extemporize a different show entirely. — Jesse Green, New York Times, 3 Aug. 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for descant

Verb

Security camera footage from a nearby residence showed the Durango parked in a driveway when three suspects approached the vehicle’s driver’s side and spoke engaged with Mitchell, the probable cause statement said.

— Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Just a few days later, Navratilova spoke by phone about the film, the friendship and their cancer battles.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of speak

Verb

Mourners chanted non-stop, with no sign of the ayatollah’s coffin more than an hour after the procession’s official start time.

— Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Through the risk of lightning, sticky humidity and a winding line filled with thousands of chanting fans, Argentine fans flooded Bayfront Park with a sea of blue jerseys.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026

Definition of chant

Noun

Foster effectively invented the idea of a professional songwriter; founded the American songbook and pioneered the now-standard verse-chorus structure; and inspired the intellectual-property law of music.

— David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Paired with bubbly disco grooves and chant-along choruses, the band became gay icons overnight.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of chorus

Noun

That's because Costco warehouses will be closed Saturday, July 4, in observation of the holiday, according to the company's website.

— Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Several stores, pharmacies and local businesses are adjusting their hours on Saturday, July 4, or closing in observation of Independence Day.

— Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026

Definition of observation

Verb

The rivalry is so intense that overnight in Mexico, fans played instruments, sang, and made as much noise as possible outside the Ecuador team hotel to deprive the squad of sleep.

— Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Members of the Orange Army danced, sang, marched and partied, saying their iconic celebrations were a way to bring joy to the World Cup, regardless of the outcome on the pitch.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026

Definition of sing

Noun

Latin polyphony and motets are being sung at the Offertory and during the distribution of Holy Communion.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
The service and concert will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at the church, 815 S. Washington St. Castle Singers are vocalists who perform a variety of chamber repertoire, varying from Renaissance madrigals and motets to contemporary pop and vocal jazz.

— Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025

Definition of motet

Noun

Thankfully, Williams’ jovial remarks marked the last time anyone mentioned or even thought about 2026.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 7 July 2026
In the last several days, some of Mamdani’s allies have been frustrated with the show’s political coverage, particularly after recent remarks by right-leaning host Sara Haines on Avila Chevalier.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 July 2026