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 The games demand the creation of many discrete areas that can theoretically be explored in any order using a set of in-game mechanics that must all complement one another and the environment. Lewis Gordon, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 Thales, for instance, doesn’t transmit discrete audio signals, but rather data that can take on a virtually infinite number of sonic shapes. Matthew Sherrill, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 Unless Congress has provided discrete designations, the executive may determine how to spend the funds that have been appropriated. The Editors, National Review, 19 Feb. 2025 Meanwhile, the Senate has plenty of ideas for its own spending plan, including possibly splitting Trump’s agenda into two discrete pieces. Philip Elliott, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discrete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discrete
Adjective
  • If this were to happen in reality, the very first thing is that every single government, every single big business would invent an alternative.
    Jake Kring-Schreifels, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Likewise, small business optimism saw its single largest one-month gain ever recorded, a 41-point jump.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Harrods, which is home to a permanent Moët & Chandon bar, will host a separate pop-up from March 10 to 30, with a takeover of its facade on Brompton Road from March 17 to 30.
    Joelle Diderich, WWD, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The lieutenant governor is not like an attorney general or a comptroller, positions that have wholly separate functions that are to some extent supposed to act as a check on the executive.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • One adult who lives in the detached garage and six adults and three cats who live in an adjacent home were displaced by the fire, according to the post.
    Graeme Taskerud, The Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2025
  • These parents fulfill their child’s basic needs—food, shelter and clothing—but remain emotionally detached and disengaged.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discrete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discrete. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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