discontinuity

noun

(ˌ)dis-ˌkän-tə-ˈnü-ə-tē How to pronounce discontinuity (audio)
Definition of discontinuitynext
1
as in gap
an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge) microscopic discontinuities in the connecting wires

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in interruption
a break in continuity a noticeable discontinuity in the flow of the story

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 discontinuity Advertisement Rather than a drastic discontinuity, Moltbook is best understood as the latest (and largest) in a line of experiments that tease out the limits of AI agents. — Tharin Pillay, Time, 3 Feb. 2026 The researchers were trying to test a concept known as temporal discontinuity, in which a brief amount of time passes between the introduction of an item and the assignment of its name. — New Atlas, 9 Jan. 2026 In the experiment called a discontinuity condition, dog owners first showed the dogs the toys and then put the objects inside of a bucket. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2026 Where the VisEra device does fall short is in its response to light that comes in at an angle because of discontinuities in the metasurface. — Gwendolyn Rak, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Dec. 2023 See All Example Sentences for discontinuity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discontinuity
  1. gap
  2. interruption
  3. hole
  4. interval
  5. hiatus
Noun
  • Hydrolyzed keratin, meanwhile, fills in the gaps in the cuticle by improving elasticity and damage caused by daily styling, heat, and environmental stressors.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Closing a gap in naval defenses The growing use of inexpensive drones has created a significant challenge for naval forces.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of gap
Noun
  • Kamayan, the acclaimed Filipino restaurant on Buford Highway, moved to a new space next door to its original location but never experienced an interruption of service, so it is not included in the list of new openings below.
    — Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Across the country, others might be meeting the work requirements but miss the notice to renew in the mail and as a result, experience an interruption in coverage.
    — Abdullah Shihipar, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of interruption
Noun
  • McIlroy surged into the top-10 on Saturday with a 7-under 63, powered by nine birdies, including three in his final four holes.
    — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The researchers engineered an additional GaN layer that naturally creates a second sheet containing mobile holes, called a two-dimensional hole gas, or 2DHG.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of hole
Noun
  • Athena logged peak penetration rates exceeding 350 feet per hour and sustained over 130 feet per hour through long intervals.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That posting also got questions about the 40-month intervals, as well as blowback for the reminder of the passage of time.
    — Mike Snider, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of interval
Noun
  • Who cares who is on the bill at Daisy Chain Fields next year, if heat stroke is taking a hiatus?
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • During something of an unofficial hiatus, James was busy with solo material.
    — Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of hiatus

Browse Nearby Words

discontinuities
discontinuity
discontinuous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discontinuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discontinuity. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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