Thesaurus

discontinue

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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of discontinue

1 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 for discontinue

Words Related to discontinue

close (down)

deactivate

call,
suspend

Phrases Synonymous with discontinue

Near Antonyms for discontinue

2 to stop doing (something) permanently

we have discontinued the manufacture of that item

Synonyms for discontinue

Words Related to discontinue

pause,
taper off

throw up

Phrases Synonymous with discontinue

Near Antonyms for discontinue

go,
run on

follow through (with)

preserve,
stay

Antonyms for discontinue

3 to come to an end

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

Synonyms for discontinue

Words Related to discontinue

Phrases Synonymous with discontinue

bite the dust

Near Antonyms for discontinue

Antonyms for discontinue

Frequently Asked Questions About discontinue

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

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