Synonyms of discard

discard 1 of 2

noun

ˈdis-ˌkärd 

as in reject

something separated from a group or lot for not being as good as the others

toss all of your discards in the garbage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reject
• cull
• second
• rejection
• trash
• rubbish
• waste
• scrap
• throwaway
• castaway
• white elephant
• hand-me-down

discard

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈkärd 

as in to dump

to get rid of as useless or unwanted

discard an old, torn sweater

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dump
• ditch
• unload
• lose
• reject
• abandon
• scrap
• jettison
• remove
• toss
• eliminate
• shed
• chuck
• exorcise
• junk
• cast (off)
• throw away
• set aside
• slough (off)
• dismiss
• shuck (off)
• fling (off or away)
• deep-six
• lay by
• dispose of
• sluff (off)
• throw out
• forsake
• eradicate
• abolish
• abdicate
• eighty-six
• pitch
• cashier
• expunge
• kick out
• desert
• extirpate
• exterminate
• liquidate
• extinguish
• wipe out
• annihilate
• stamp (out)
• root (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• adopt
• use
• embrace
• utilize
• employ
• take on
• retain
• keep
• hold
• hold back

Synonym Chooser

How is the word discard different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of discard are cast, junk, scrap, shed, and slough. While all these words mean "to get rid of," discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless.

discard old clothes

Where would cast be a reasonable alternative to discard?

The words cast and discard can be used in similar contexts, but cast, especially when used with off, away, or out, implies a forceful rejection or repudiation.

cast off her friends

How are the words scrap and junk related as synonyms of discard?

Both scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form.

scrap all the old ways

would junk our educational system

How do shed and slough relate to one another, in the sense of discard?

Shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster.

shed a bad habit

finally sloughed off the depression

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of discard

Noun

Tracking discards, reading opponents, weighing probabilities and managing your own hand all happen at once, every turn. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026

Le Zotte reports that by the 1970s, more than 10 million garage sales were taking place in the United States every year, and people were paying more than $1 billion (cumulatively) for their neighbors’ discards. — Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026

Verb

Transfer bacon using a slotted spoon to a medium bowl lined with paper towels; remove and discard all but 2 tablespoon drippings from skillet. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 29 July 2026

Repurpose or research the value of items like cookie cutters, antique dishware, or mason jars before discarding them. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2026