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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 Greenwood strongly denied all the allegations, and the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service ultimately discontinued proceedings against him. Tom Williams, New York Times, 9 June 2025 Council members received an overview of the state of the local cable TV channel at their June 2 meeting with staff suggesting it should at least be temporarily discontinued. Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025 Apple took a similar stab at this idea in the early days of the iPhone with Game Center, which still exists as a service in the background on modern Apple devices but was discontinued as a standalone app quite a few years ago. ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025 Places like Burger King and Taco Bell did venture into chicken wraps at one point, but eventually discontinued them from the menu. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for discontinue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discontinue
Verb
  • Seven of the health facilities that Save the Children had supported in the region have fully closed, and 20 more have partly ceased operations.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 24 June 2025
  • In 2021, Iran revealed its plan for taking enrichment from 20% to 60%, and soon afterward ceased to provide any further details on its fuel-making program.
    Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • To add insult to injury, Pfizer abandoned its plan just a few years after the Kelo decision, just as its tax breaks were about to expire and after about $80 million of taxpayer money was spent, and the land remains a vacant lot all these years later.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 22 June 2025
  • Another noted that the Post tried to become a national rival to The New York Times and failed — abandoning its identity as a regional and D.C. insider paper in the process.
    Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • In 2012, the Premier League stopped awarding bottles of Champagne along with man of the match awards, out of respect for the religious beliefs of some players.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • The only way to stop that is for the Texas Supreme Court to do what is did here, which was to render a corrective opinion.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • JetBlue Airways will halt service at Miami International Airport, the airline said on Saturday.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 21 June 2025
  • However, Lucas’ poor first touch allows Caicedo to halt the attack.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Then, Randi Weingarten, the influential leader of the American Federation of Teachers, and Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, both quit the DNC over their disagreement with Martin’s leadership.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 21 June 2025
  • The singer-songwriter has also said that the album was informed by her experiences with disordered eating, quitting birth control and breaking off a longterm relationship.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Despite stocks dipping slightly after President Donald Trump's announcement that the U.S. would end all trade talks with Canada, the S&P 500 recovered to close at a record high -- 6,173.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 27 June 2025
  • Last month, the Supreme Court allowed the administration to end the work permits and deportation protections of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans TPS recipients.
    June 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Messi left at the end of that season, his contract allowed to expire, while Neymar also departed.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The Trump administration in April froze most of its tariffs for 90 days to allow time for negotiations, with that pause due to expire on July 9.
    Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • What’s next: The Royals conclude their weekend series against the Padres on Sunday afternoon.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2025
  • In the study, scientists concluded further adaptation and the potential expansion of cropland may be needed to ensure food security and mitigate climate impacts.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discontinue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discontinue. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on discontinue

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