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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variants
also discant
1
as in chorus
Related Words
2
as in observation
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of descant
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
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
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Responding officers found bloody items in a nearby dumpster and spoke with neighbors who recalled seeing Ali before the police arrived.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
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Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith all committed to staying put when speaking to reporters on Tuesday at a preseason press conference.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Peaceful protest, chanting, and holding signs are protected forms of speech.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
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Protestors gathered in front of the building for three hours, chanting and singing.—
Michael Abeyta,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In the wake of an ICE shooting that killed a woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday, academics have joined the chorus of left-wing radicals seeking to abolish the federal law enforcement agency.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
From the speakers, gravelly voices sung in Portuguese about pick-up trucks and cattle over a chorus of accordions and a rollicking electronic beat.—
Carolina Abbott Galvão,
The Dial,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Though their observation has yet to be verified by wildlife biologists, Kogo and Tapanes are working with Burmese pythons specialists at the University of Florida to confirm the species.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Jan. 2026
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The most interesting observation from the Zubac injury was how well the Clippers played with Brook Lopez in the mix.—
Stan Son,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Christian author Philip Yancey is retiring from writing and lecturing after admitting to a long-running affair with a married woman.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
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After teaching at Sacramento City College and lecturing at UC Davis, Fisher moved into public history, working with the California Office of Historic Preservation and the Architectural History Department at Caltrans.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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This is why celebrities like Oprah sing Spanx’s praises, as do the editors at Travel + Leisure, especially when the brand slashes prices on its beloved athleisure.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Stories to read, songs to sing, and opportunities for creative play in every class.—
Staff Report,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Latin polyphony and motets are being sung at the Offertory and during the distribution of Holy Communion.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 June 2025
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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
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In his appeal, Francis pointed to that remark as a violation of his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
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This latter remark is illustrative.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Descant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/descant. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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