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Synonym Chooser

How is the word discontinue distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of discontinue are cease, desist, quit, and stop. While all these words mean "to suspend or cause to suspend activity," discontinue applies to the stopping of an accustomed activity or practice.

we have discontinued the manufacture of that item

When might cease be a better fit than discontinue?

In some situations, the words cease and discontinue are roughly equivalent. However, cease applies to states, conditions, or existence and may add a suggestion of gradualness and a degree of finality.

by nightfall the fighting had ceased

When can desist be used instead of discontinue?

While the synonyms desist and discontinue are close in meaning, desist implies forbearance or restraint as a motive for stopping or ceasing.

desisted from further efforts to persuade them

When is it sensible to use quit instead of discontinue?

The meanings of quit and discontinue largely overlap; however, quit may stress either finality or abruptness in stopping or ceasing.

the engine faltered, sputtered, then quit altogether

When could stop be used to replace discontinue?

The words stop and discontinue can be used in similar contexts, but stop applies to action or progress or to what is operating or progressing and may imply suddenness or definiteness.

stopped at the red light

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 discontinue The Tropical Storm Warning has been discontinued for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Miami Herald Hurricane Bot, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025 After September, federal incentives of up to $7,500 to purchase electric vehicles was discontinued, leaving consumers racing to use the benefit before the expiration. Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2025 The states’ lawsuit warned that discontinuing the grant funding would irreparably harm students, leaving many rural and low-income schools without mental health providers or services critical to students’ safety and well-being. Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025 That said, the current LS sedan is set to be discontinued after the 2026 model year, so maybe there’s hope for this prototype yet. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discontinue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discontinue
Verb
  • From December through February, shuttle service largely ceases (outside of select days and weekends; check shuttle schedules for up-to-date details).
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Meanwhile, over in Britain, a vibrant antiwar movement brought on motion after motion in Parliament to cease fire and end all offensive operations against the rebels.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • His car was later found abandoned, and authorities began searching the area.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • To garrison those vulnerable treasure houses, Britain had to reassign regiments from tours of duty in North America and abandon Philadelphia, the biggest prize the redcoats had taken so far.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • On third-and-1 with seven seconds left, Schakel took the snap and tried to spike the ball, which would have stopped the clock and given his team one final play to go for the win.
    Alex Valdes, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Among those who do use an advisor, 26% are considering switching and 18% may stop using an advisor altogether.
    Robert Frank, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The shelter recently lost a donor, forcing it to halt a program that distributed pet food to around 200 families each month.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
  • This move highlights vulnerabilities in the technology supply chain, affecting automakers like Honda, which halted production at a Mexican factory.
    Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Furious about this, Jane quit the sorority.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Authorities are now hoping to cut down on smoking everywhere across the archipelago, with plans to set up anti-smoking clinics that will offer medication to help people quit tobacco products.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The benefit reductions for November are temporary, and SNAP recipients are expected to receive full benefits once the government shutdown ends and regular appropriations have been approved.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Hong Kong — Qatar Airways will sell its stake in Cathay Pacific Airways for $896 million, ending its eight-year shareholding in Hong Kong’s flagship carrier.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Republicans have also proposed reopening the government through at least January, advancing three full-year spending bills covering veterans’ programs, agriculture and the legislative branch, and guarantee a future vote on the expiring health subsidies.
    Nik Popli, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
  • There were some reports about the couple’s finances after their Netflix deal expired, but the two then went on to sign a first-look deal, similar to what other high-profile duos, like the Obamas, have signed.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Women from 130 countries are participating in this year’s edition, which concludes on November 21 with the crowning of the winner.
    Anabella González, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Williams returned to his alma mater and guided UNC to three NCAA titles (2005, 2009, 2017) and concluded with a career record of 903-264.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discontinue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discontinue. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on discontinue

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