DISCONTINUE Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

discontinue

verb

ˌdis-kən-ˈtin-(ˌ)yü

Definition of discontinue next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to abandon

to stop doing (something) permanently we have discontinued the manufacture of that item

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to stop

to come to an end publication of the magazine will discontinue at the end of the year

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 discontinue This was discontinued after the Los Angeles Times published the winners in its evening edition in 1940. —

Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026 The fruity floral launched to major fanfare and was discontinued in 2014, though bottles still circulate on resale sites for the devoted. —

Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 13 Mar. 2026 While a subsequent lecture was initially planned for the upcoming school year, my institution discontinued it since nutrition contact hours were already being met and curricular time was limited. —

Lauren Rice, STAT, 11 Mar. 2026 Fans of Trader Joe’s have already been getting their hands on the treat, with many customers pointing out on social media that the new cannelés are similar to another variation on the classic pastry that the chain previously sold but has since discontinued. —

Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discontinue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discontinue

Verb

Commercial traffic through the maritime chokepoint has virtually ceased since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, with Iran vowing to strike any vessels associated with the two countries or their partners.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026
Classes will cease operating in June at the center.

— Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 15 Mar. 2026