discard 1 of 2

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

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discard

2 of 2

verb

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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

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 discard
Noun
Avoid open flames and sparks, don't park vehicles on dry grass and discard of cigarettes carefully, the weather service in Albuquerque warned Saturday, adding that winds will be at their strongest Saturday and again on Tuesday. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2025 Textile discards make up a huge portion of landfills, so look for a way those clothes can be reused or recycled. Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
The first-stage booster that had been tapped during the original attempts was discarded for a new booster. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025 Police say that after the shooting, Anding went to a neighboring residence and washed himself, discarded bloody clothing and wrapped two firearms in a t-shirt. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for discard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discard
Noun
  • The modern reject rejects the academic consensus on everything from the science of vaccines to the benefits of free trade.
    Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Still, the rejects are legion: Amy Sedaris, Tiffany Haddish, Jim Carrey, Nick Kroll, Aubrey Plaza, John Goodman, Geena Davis, Jennifer Aniston, Andrea Martin, Zach Galifianakis, Paul Reubens.
    Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • After the recent spike in oil, investors should dump or bet against shares of automakers and airlines, while buying some technology stocks over the next month, if history is any guide.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 18 June 2025
  • SpaceX dumps hundreds of thousands of gallons of water used in launches into the neighboring south bay, and has destroyed nests of vulnerable shorebirds.
    Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Jaws turned a rare and tragic shark attack into a global fear, spawning decades of sensational headlines, culls, and unnecessary killings.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • After there had been fears of a cull for the multi-sports event held in Aichi-Nagoya, cricket was recently included following a decision by the Olympic Council of Asia and local organizing committee.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • The former Victoria's Secret model ditched her lace bodysuit in a few wedding photos, and later changed into a strapless gown designed by Galia Lahav for her reception.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 23 June 2025
  • Microsoft and Google have warned users for some time now to ditch passwords for passkeys.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Holliday speculates that at least some of the footprints were made in what were once trackways that took mere seconds to traverse.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
  • In California And Wins Impressively, Hill wins his 100 meter heat at the Last Chance Meet in California, running 10.15 seconds.
    Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Even after sending Pro Bowl receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders earlier in the offseason, the 49ers were also reportedly still trying to unload Aiyuk's contract as well.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • As commuters unload from carpools passing through the parking lot of a Tri-Rail station on a recent weekday morning, they’re greeted by a symphony of construction while waiting for their trains.
    CD Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Losing a job, or facing creative rejection, is a very real type of grief that doesn’t always get depicted as grief.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • Despite the constant rejection, Van-Der-Sluis seems determined to find the love of his life.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Los Angeles County, which stood to lose nearly $20 million in annual federal HIV prevention funding, was looking at terminating contracts with 39 providers.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
  • According to the Office of Inspector General, more than 13,000 widows and widowers collectively have lost $130 million in Social Security benefits because of mistakes in claiming spousal benefits.
    John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discard. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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