discontinuity

noun

(ˌ)dis-ˌkän-tə-ˈnü-ə-tē How to pronounce discontinuity (audio)
Definition of discontinuitynext
1
as in gap
an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge) microscopic discontinuities in the connecting wires

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in interruption
a break in continuity a noticeable discontinuity in the flow of the story

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 discontinuity Advertisement Rather than a drastic discontinuity, Moltbook is best understood as the latest (and largest) in a line of experiments that tease out the limits of AI agents. — Tharin Pillay, Time, 3 Feb. 2026 The researchers were trying to test a concept known as temporal discontinuity, in which a brief amount of time passes between the introduction of an item and the assignment of its name. — New Atlas, 9 Jan. 2026 In the experiment called a discontinuity condition, dog owners first showed the dogs the toys and then put the objects inside of a bucket. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2026 Where the VisEra device does fall short is in its response to light that comes in at an angle because of discontinuities in the metasurface. — Gwendolyn Rak, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Dec. 2023 See All Example Sentences for discontinuity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discontinuity
  1. gap
  2. interruption
  3. hole
  4. interval
  5. hiatus
Noun
  • Inspectors also pointed to a large gap along the bottom of the bakery’s street-side double doors that could allow more insects or rodents to get inside.
    — Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
  • But both of these increase the gap between the solar clock and the body’s internal clock, which has been linked to poor health outcomes.
    — Claire Maldarelli, Scientific American, 17 July 2026
Definition of gap
Noun
  • Yet, for organizations navigating financial, operational and staffing challenges, these periods of transition can easily become interruptions rather than opportunities.
    — Leslie Anderson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2026
  • Healthcare providers can’t afford interruptions, especially during a pandemic.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Definition of interruption
Noun
  • Mozeliak said the Angels should not consider a trade proposal in isolation, without considering how to flex their major-market muscles to fill whatever hole a trade might create.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The difference between these two measurements gives the exciton binding energy, a key quantity that determines how strongly the electron and hole remain bound together.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
Definition of hole
Noun
  • Remember that intensity is relative, so adjust your pace, resistance, and rest intervals as needed.
    — Jenessa Connor, Health, 17 July 2026
  • The equalising goal came in first-half stoppage time, with Norway coach Stale Solbakken visibly annoyed with referee Clement Turpin at the half-time interval.
    — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of interval
Noun
  • In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mandagi and Dundas reflect on their hiatus, return to the studio, and creating an album free of expectation.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2026
  • After ending a 15-year recording hiatus with 2017’s Now, Twain returned again in 2023 with Queen of Me, which launched a massive international arena tour.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 10 July 2026
Definition of hiatus

Browse Nearby Words

discontinuities
discontinuity
discontinuous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discontinuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discontinuity. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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