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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 Sadly, the exact shade Christensen used in the video has been discontinued by Merit to the disappointment of loyal fans. Izzy Baskette, People.com, 18 June 2025 The news, which was first reported by The Street, broke slowly when fans noticed that things were changing on the company’s product locator, which shows when an item has been discontinued but may still be in stores. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 17 June 2025 While previous generations have seen releases for older consoles gradually discontinued, the current generation still sees a lot of high-profile games get PS4 versions, despite PS5 being far more powerful. Ryan Woodrow, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 Seven of the patients were able to discontinue injections while the others were able to significantly reduce the amount needed. Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for discontinue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discontinue
Verb
  • Seven of the health facilities that Save the Children had supported in the region have fully closed, and 20 more have partly ceased operations.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 24 June 2025
  • Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei himself is thought to be operating from an underground bunker and has ceased communicating electronically, delaying his ability to guide the rest of the regime’s leaders.
    Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • To add insult to injury, Pfizer abandoned its plan just a few years after the Kelo decision, just as its tax breaks were about to expire and after about $80 million of taxpayer money was spent, and the land remains a vacant lot all these years later.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 22 June 2025
  • While families may choose various savings tools, abandoning Florida’s institutions over political disagreements undermines the progress made by thousands of dedicated students, faculty and staff.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Without any consequences, this autocratic politician will continue to push the limits of his authority beyond the breaking point until someone forces him to stop.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025
  • The state will become the second following Utah to stop public utilities from fluoridating water.
    Kairi Lowery, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Burroughs temporarily had halted the government’s action hours after Harvard sued.
    Sara Braun, Fortune, 21 June 2025
  • However, Lucas’ poor first touch allows Caicedo to halt the attack.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Then, Randi Weingarten, the influential leader of the American Federation of Teachers, and Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, both quit the DNC over their disagreement with Martin’s leadership.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 21 June 2025
  • The singer-songwriter has also said that the album was informed by her experiences with disordered eating, quitting birth control and breaking off a longterm relationship.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • States would be responsible for them, and — miracle of miracles — state and federal agencies actually agreed on how to manage grizzlies after ESA protections end.
    Christine Peterson, Vox, 27 June 2025
  • After a logistical snafu ends their initial meeting about Agnes’ thesis, Decker makes the casual suggestion that the makeup session be at his house near campus.
    Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Messi left at the end of that season, his contract allowed to expire, while Neymar also departed.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • But that’s because in the TCJA, many of the tax benefits for individuals were set to expire at the end of 2025, while the corporate tax breaks were largely permanent.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • What’s next: The Royals conclude their weekend series against the Padres on Sunday afternoon.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2025
  • In the study, scientists concluded further adaptation and the potential expansion of cropland may be needed to ensure food security and mitigate climate impacts.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discontinue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discontinue. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on discontinue

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