Thesaurus results for DISCANT

descant 1 of 2

verb

ˈdes-ˌkant

Definition of descant

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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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

as in chorus

Related Words

as in observation

Related Words

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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for descant

Verb

This means their meaning is easier to guess for someone without any previous knowledge of the gesture or language being spoken; perfect for creating a new language from scratch.

— Hannah Little, Scientific American, 20 Sep. 2026
Fourmont, who has belonged to the Lamplighters for 56 years and has been in many fine quartets, spoke eloquently about serving his community.

— Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of speak

Verb

Sheik and Sater were practicing Buddhists who met while chanting.

— Mark Kennedy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Tatianna Santos, who lives in the Tasker's Chance neighborhood, told CBS News Baltimore that protesters were chanting on the sidewalk and blocking the street.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of chant

Noun

Both choruses and quartets compete for the ultimate honor of being district and international champions.

— Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
At first, the three first wives appear as a sort of Greek chorus, commenting on the actions of Bolanle’s lead character.

— Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of chorus

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
Her husband, my grandfather, was not only a composer who wrote liturgical music, motets, symphonies, and string quartets but also a beloved music teacher who believed that music was as crucial to the development of the mind as math.

— Stephanie H. Murray, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2024

Definition of motet

Noun

The remarks drew criticism from some Jewish and pro-Israel organizations, including the Israeli-American Council, which called for Macklemore to be removed from the tour.

— Anna Tingley, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
Two males remain uncharged, according to the court’s remarks.

— Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026