discrete

adjective

di-ˈskrēt How to pronounce discrete (audio)
Definition of discretenext
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 mathematical problems that made RSA and elliptic-curve cryptography secure—specifically, the difficulty of factoring large numbers and solving discrete logarithms—are threatened by advances in quantum computing. — Amit Sinha, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Most discussions of online influence and disinformation campaigns assume that attacks such as the one on Bluesky are discrete efforts. — RenÉe Diresta, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026 For the foreseeable future, HBO Max and Paramount+ will continue as discrete brands. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026 In both cases, this is not a discrete graphics card but an equivalent number of graphics cores integrated into the system-on-chip (SoC) that powers the Mac Studio. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discrete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discrete
  1. single
  2. separate
  3. detached
Adjective
  • To profile their activity in patients with SCLC, the researchers analyzed tumor samples and non-affected biopsies from a dozen patients using single-cell RNA sequencing and immunophenotyping.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The judge also said the impact of the White House ban goes far beyond a single reporter's ability to do their job.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of single
Adjective
  • Corniel’s new settlement does not resolve separate wrongful death claims brought on behalf of Drakeo’s young son, Caiden Caldwell, by the child’s guardian.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Matt Schnaars, president of platform distribution and partnerships for NBCUniversal, reinforced Shapiro’s observations in a separate session.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of separate
Adjective
  • There’s also an indoor-outdoor dog run, as well as a detached guesthouse with its own kitchen and bath and a seven-car garage sporting a Tesla charging station.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Goldfish centers on a 17-year-old high school senior who presents as detached, ironic and emotionally armored, but underneath is quietly paralyzed by fear of failure, abandonment and becoming his parents.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of detached

Browse Nearby Words

discrepant
discrete
discretely
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discrete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discrete. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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