DISCONTINUOUS Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

discontinuous

adjective

ˌdis-kən-ˈtin-yə-wəs

Definition of discontinuous

as in sporadic

lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence the novel captures the discontinuous nature of a soldier's life: long stretches of boredom interrupted by flashes of action

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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 discontinuous This eerie sensation is further enhanced by elliptical editing that seamlessly skips back and forth in time across the span of just a few days, creating a sense of fluidity across what should feel discontinuous. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 Feb. 2026 Each take has this in and out that sounds discontinuous. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2025 When reinforced with discontinuous fibers, vitrimers, a class of plastic, can be reshaped repeatedly, crushed, and molded into new forms many times without their chemical structure degrading. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2025 Increased spotting potential east of the PCT exists, however, these spots have low potential for spread due to sparse, discontinuous vegetation or they can be accessed and suppressed by firefighting resources. — Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for discontinuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discontinuous

Adjective

Police are prepared but sporadic tensions flare Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said that 70,000 police officers were deployed, backed by armored vehicles, drones and helicopters.

— Sylvie Corbet, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
More sporadic light showers will likely to continue on and off across the Sacramento Valley through the remainder of the afternoon and evening Tuesday as the center of the low pressure moves directly past Sacramento.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of sporadic

Adjective

The result was a tapestry of bizarro folk elegies whose combination of violin, slide guitar, and the occasional lovestruck lyric sounded like tuning into AM radio in the midst of the apocalypse.

— Henry Ivry, Pitchfork, 30 Oct. 2026
The music school Toki Rapa Nui, co-founded by classical pianist Mahani Teave, offers occasional concerts and guided visits of its sustainable Earthship building, which is shaped like an eight-petal flower.

— Mark Johanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of occasional

Adjective

The performance is bringing a sudden wave of attention, which the 26-year-old actor is navigating with help from family, friends and firm boundaries.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Testing methodology Extreme forces driving modern aerospace and defense systems expose structural materials to rapid deformation, crushing pressure, and sudden failure.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of sudden

Adjective

In addition to low blood oxygen levels and low blood pressure, a pulmonary embolism can affect the heart, causing a fast or irregular heart rate, right-sided heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Phobos landing plans Phobos stretches about 14 miles across and has an irregular, potato-like shape.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of irregular

Browse Nearby Words

discontinuity

discontinuous

discontinuously

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“Discontinuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discontinuous. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of discontinuous

adjective

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