discard 1 of 2

noun

ˈdis-ˌkärd How to pronounce discard (audio)
Definition of discardnext
as in reject
something separated from a group or lot for not being as good as the others toss all of your discards in the garbage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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discard

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈkärd How to pronounce discard (audio)
as in to dump
to get rid of as useless or unwanted discard an old, torn sweater

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word discard different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of discard are cast, junk, scrap, shed, and slough. While all these words mean "to get rid of," discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless.

discard old clothes

Where would cast be a reasonable alternative to discard?

The words cast and discard can be used in similar contexts, but cast, especially when used with off, away, or out, implies a forceful rejection or repudiation.

cast off her friends

How are the words scrap and junk related as synonyms of discard?

Both scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form.

scrap all the old ways
would junk our educational system

How do shed and slough relate to one another, in the sense of discard?

Shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster.

shed a bad habit
finally sloughed off the depression

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 discard
Noun
Are the players wondering if owner Jed York is ready to end this era with a series of discards, which already started with the release of stalwart Arik Armstead in March? —Tim Kawakami, The Athletic, 9 Aug. 2024 Gently twist a lemon peel over to the drink to release the oil and discard. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
Verb
Consumers are urged not to eat the affected cookies and should discard the product or return it to the place of purchase. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025 Employees discarded 15 gallons of pho broth because the food had not been cooled to safe temperatures within the proper time frame. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discard
  1. reject
  2. dump
  3. cull
  4. ditch
  5. second
  6. unload
  7. rejection
  8. lose
Noun
  • The modern reject rejects the academic consensus on everything from the science of vaccines to the benefits of free trade.
    — Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Still, the rejects are legion: Amy Sedaris, Tiffany Haddish, Jim Carrey, Nick Kroll, Aubrey Plaza, John Goodman, Geena Davis, Jennifer Aniston, Andrea Martin, Zach Galifianakis, Paul Reubens.
    — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
Definition of reject
Verb
  • The dogs were reported by passersby who alerted the KC Pet Project that dogs appeared to be dumped and roaming the area.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Atmospheric rivers out West also tend to dump their heaviest rain over the open water in the Pacific, because the storms they’re associated with typically peak in strength there.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of dump
Noun
  • Over the last year this campaign has reached new heights, with a cull of higher-risk Play Store apps, the promise of live threat detection, and a raft of new features dropping with Android 15.
    — Zak Doffman, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • In a February cull of Pentagon school books, a picture book about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the liberal icon who was the first Jewish woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, was placed under review for potential DEI content.
    — Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of cull
Verb
  • The 10-year yield rose half a percentage point in just a few days, one of its quickest moves ever, as investors also ditched stocks and the U.S. dollar.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Join me in ditching denim this spring by shopping similar styles, plus lookalike shirts and tote bags, below.
    — Averi Baudler, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of ditch
Noun
  • His legs shook, seconds after his repeat win of the 13.1-mile race held every April.
    — Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Brunson and Payne combined to score 17 points — nine for Payne and eight for Brunson — in just 3 minutes, 57 seconds.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of second
Verb
  • With no market closure to shield shares from Trump's threats, investors unloaded their stocks.
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The businesswoman is unloading the five bedroom, six bathroom, 10,338-square-footer, the largest of the 10 penthouses there, for a cool $24 million. Perks?
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of unload
Noun
  • Account hopes to combat misogynistic online content Creators like Andrew Tate provide a pipeline for men seeking advice about romantic rejection, physical self-esteem and economic insecurity to fall into radicalism and misogyny.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Cronenberg’s rejection of the notion was just one of the first surprising musings from a discussion with Variety about his approach to art, including his consideration of the audience, embrace of technology and rejection of genre.
    — William Earl, Variety, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of rejection
Verb
  • Air travel experiences: 16 hours, 10 time zones, no regrets: How to fly ultra-long-haul without losing your mind Faltering demand One airline executive said carriers could have taken the tariffs in stride if travel demand was booming.
    — Rajesh Kumar Singh, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • As the survivors work to rebuild the town, Ellie struggles with losing her father figure.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of lose

Browse Nearby Words

disbursing
discard
discarded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discard. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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