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

Examples 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 Like Carpenter’s floor plans, which in 1912 crystallized his ideas for superior apartment planning in the design for 635 Park Avenue, Candela’s also adhere to certain consistent principles for dividing the apartment into discrete areas for entertaining, service, and private life. David Netto, Curbed, 17 Oct. 2024 Ka’s music, which is largely self-produced, is at once stark and enveloping, a fugue of dread and predatory housing law punctured by shards and wisdom and, occasionally, discrete moments of joy. Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2024 Further, establishing digital parameters around discrete physical locations can allow for more targeted and timely services. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 As the pursuit of non-hallucinogenic psychedelics advances, the definition of a trip as something induced by a discrete set of substances is set to evolve alongside them. Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for discrete 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discrete
Adjective
  • MIRVs were developed during the Cold War to permit the delivery of multiple nuclear warheads with a single launch.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Quantity varies from a single tutorial to the 40 projects included in our best value suggestion.
    Bob Beacham, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • And last month the board approved a contract for separate legal counsel from the county office — a move that is highly unusual for education offices, Fine said.
    Molly Gibbs, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The data given to Cambridge included 20 years of gun owners’ warranty card information as well as a separate database of customers from Cabela’s, a sporting goods retailer with approximately 70 stores in the U.S. and Canada.
    Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The families later learned through their teens’ text messages that the two decided to park in the detached garage that the Lees mostly used for storage, Merle explained.
    Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Listed for the first time this year, the 61-acre property includes a sprawling mansion, a greenhouse, and a detached garage with room for up to 20 cars.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near discrete

Cite this Entry

“Discrete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discrete. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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