Synonyms of discontinue

discontinue

verb

ˌdis-kən-ˈtin-(ˌ)yü 

1

as in to cease

to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end

the editors were told to discontinue the printing of rumors in the student paper immediately

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cease
• stop
• halt
• quit
• end
• suspend
• delay
• conclude
• drop
• can
• cut off
• lay off
• shut off
• desist (from)
• finish
• cut out
• leave off
• pack (up or in)
• break off
• break
• have done with
• break up
• give over
• knock off
• check
• complete
• put the kibosh on
• deactivate
• impede
• hinder
• close (down)
• obstruct
• pause
• block
• suppress
• ruin
• abort
• abolish
• detain
• stay
• hold
• stem
• hold back
• destroy
• dissolve
• blockade
• scuttle
• call
• dam
• annul
• brake
• turn back
• squelch
• demolish
• arrest
• stanch
• kill
• stamp
• rein (in)
• clamp down
• kibosh
• snuff
• stunt
• squash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continue
• proceed
• carry on
• keep up
• run on
• advance
• progress
• follow through (with)
• stir
• drive
• propel
• impel
• actuate

2

as in to abandon

to stop doing (something) permanently

we have discontinued the manufacture of that item

Synonyms & Similar Words

• abandon
• quit
• drop
• cease
• end
• have done (with)
• finish
• conclude
• pack (up or in)
• lay off (of)
• give up
• halt
• hang it up
• close
• terminate
• expire
• shut off
• knock off
• pause
• break off
• break up
• leave off
• taper off
• throw up
• wind up
• round (off or out)
• wrap up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continue
• maintain
• keep
• go
• carry on
• keep up
• persist
• run on
• renew
• hold on
• begin
• preserve
• start
• stay
• resume
• reopen
• persevere
• commence
• hang on
• hang in
• restart
• follow through (with)

3

as in to stop

to come to an end

publication of the magazine will discontinue at the end of the year

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stop
• cease
• end
• expire
• conclude
• halt
• terminate
• go
• finish
• pass
• die
• determine
• close
• quit
• lapse
• elapse
• leave off
• wind up
• break off
• let up
• wink (out)
• break up
• stall
• suspend
• bite the dust
• refrain (from)
• dead-end
• desist (from)
• lay off (of)
• pause
• stay
• pack (up or in)
• cut out
• knock off
• break down
• give over
• abate
• peter (out)
• wind down
• conk (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continue
• persist
• hang on
• extend
• prolong
• draw out
• protract

Synonym Chooser

How is the word discontinue distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of discontinue are cease, desist, quit, and stop. While all these words mean "to suspend or cause to suspend activity," discontinue applies to the stopping of an accustomed activity or practice.

we have discontinued the manufacture of that item

When might cease be a better fit than discontinue?

In some situations, the words cease and discontinue are roughly equivalent. However, cease applies to states, conditions, or existence and may add a suggestion of gradualness and a degree of finality.

by nightfall the fighting had ceased

When can desist be used instead of discontinue?

While the synonyms desist and discontinue are close in meaning, desist implies forbearance or restraint as a motive for stopping or ceasing.

desisted from further efforts to persuade them

When is it sensible to use quit instead of discontinue?

The meanings of quit and discontinue largely overlap; however, quit may stress either finality or abruptness in stopping or ceasing.

the engine faltered, sputtered, then quit altogether

When could stop be used to replace discontinue?

The words stop and discontinue can be used in similar contexts, but stop applies to action or progress or to what is operating or progressing and may imply suddenness or definiteness.

stopped at the red light

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of discontinue

The Big Ten proposed a 24-team Playoff that would take another year or two to implement because conferences would likely need to discontinue their league championship games to make a tournament that big work. —Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2026

According to a study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center, teens and young adults ages 15 to 23 are at considerable risk for discontinuing medical care. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 17 Jan. 2026

The Pioneer Press reserves the right to discontinue the contest any time if public property is destroyed. —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 17 Jan. 2026

Fire officials said the program was discontinued in part because residents complained that the markings harmed neighborhood’s reputation. —Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2026