descant 1 of 2

Definition of descantnext
1
as in to speak
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject an English professor who loves to descant on his beloved Shakespeare

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to chant
to produce musical sounds with the voice the world-famous soprano descanted above the melody line

Synonyms & Similar Words

descant

2 of 2

noun

variants also discant

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 descant
Noun
Bart, too idiosyncratic merely to copy the idiosyncrasies of the movie’s Christopher Lloyd, instead adds a descant of commentary atop them, sometimes seeming to extemporize a different show entirely. Jesse Green, New York Times, 3 Aug. 2023 For seven decades, Katz has been providing a visual descant to the work of the New York School of poets, many of whom were his friends. Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2022 The Hynde storyline, which includes her messing around with songs on an acoustic guitar, runs as a kind of descant against the personal and professional noise of the Pistols. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2022 Then comes a longer descant of mixed-up work, including bad versions of pop tunes and ambitious attempts at pop epics. Adam Gopni, The New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for descant
Verb
  • False hopes about working in retirement speak to fundamental misunderstandings about retirement and the labor market, experts say.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • At the same time, progressive and labor groups that often find themselves at odds with the Chamber are avoiding jumping to conclusions, saying the move speaks more to the group’s quest for relevance than Becerra’s politics.
    Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • The Saudis led as Abdulelah Al-Amri cashed the game’s first goal in the 41st minute as flag-waving Saudi fans chanted to a drumbeat.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
  • Supporters crossed the street chanting songs associated with the Algerian national team while passing motorists responded with honking horns and waves.
    J.M. Banks June 15, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Based on a game McCartney played as a child, the chant-along chorus is infectious on its own, but the rest of the song is indicative of a genius of melody whose touch remained deft 60 years into a career.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • Instead of a confession, the book would be more like a chorus.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Authorities said the trooper's observations during the stop led to a DUI investigation.
    Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
  • These sound like honest observations.
    Staff Author, Parents, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • All while performatively lecturing and demanding everyone agree with his viewpoints.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
  • If and until that day comes, there will be fingerpointing, lecturing and posturing, all of which has flowed freely in the wake of the Sorsby decision.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Though Croatia lost the match 4-2, guests stayed long after the game to sing and celebrate the match.
    Julianna Mejia, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
  • Jagger, who will turn 83 shortly after the album’s July 10 release date, has always sung about living in the present.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Latin polyphony and motets are being sung at the Offertory and during the distribution of Holy Communion.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
  • The service and concert will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at the church, 815 S. Washington St. Castle Singers are vocalists who perform a variety of chamber repertoire, varying from Renaissance madrigals and motets to contemporary pop and vocal jazz.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The president's remarks prompted a pointed response from Meloni.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • The White House did not return an immediate request for comment on Meloni’s remarks.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Descant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/descant. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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