discreet

adjective

di-ˈskrēt How to pronounce discreet (audio)
Definition of discreetnext
1
as in intelligent
having or showing good judgment and restraint especially in conduct or speech he was very discreet, only saying what was necessary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in invisible
not readily seen or noticed with a discreet gesture, she signalled to her husband that she was ready to leave the party

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 discreet Entering and exiting was seamless and discreet, like staying in an Airbnb. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026 The campaign has played out in backrooms, private hotel suites and discreet dinner tables in Midtown Manhattan. — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 The outfit matched the pale yellow of the venue but upheld the Hermès aesthetic of discreet, horsey timelessness. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 Since the Second World War (wooden horses having fallen out of fashion), one discreet way of getting troops behind enemy lines has been by parachute. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discreet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discreet
  1. intelligent
  2. invisible
  3. cautious
  4. unnoticed
  5. prudent
  6. unobtrusive
  7. judicious
  8. inconspicuous
Adjective
  • By providing 24/7 availability and intelligent routing, AI contact centers can help reduce wait times, improve access and ensure no call for help goes unanswered.
    — Sameer Bhat, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • With every whimper, sigh, howl, bark and head tilt, these dogs create an empathetic portrayal of a highly intelligent creature that has been through battle and has the scars (and nightmares) to prove it.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • The challenge is that the cost of prevention is visible today, while the value of preventing a mistake is invisible unless something goes wrong.
    — George Achilleos, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Among other reasons, particle physicists can use it to learn more about dark matter, a largely invisible substance that constitutes 80% of the matter in the universe.
    — Cara Giovanetti, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of invisible
Adjective
  • Drug development is highly regulated, and executives have good reasons to be cautious about changing how major decisions are made.
    — George Achilleos, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • McNamara also wanted to create a performance-focused, consumer-centric drive in a business that had grown up under the umbrella of a more cautious pharmaceutical company.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of cautious
Adjective
  • Certainly, the way Curtis cares for comics hasn’t gone unnoticed, either among the artists or many of those working behind the scenes.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Volpe’s locker is positioned next to third baseman Ryan McMahon’s, who sat unnoticed right beside the former top prospect while he was swarmed with questions about potentially playing the hot corner.
    — James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of unnoticed
Adjective
  • In my view, a multinational AI task force of government and private sector experts from a range of disciplines would be more prudent than creating an AI Force, a quasi-military entity that would institutionalize AI’s worst impulses.
    — Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026
  • For decades, prudent stewardship meant protecting wealth from uncertainty.
    — Walid Chiniara, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of prudent
Adjective
  • The film by and large follows the edicts of Iranian neorealism, with unobtrusive observations and a naturalistic soundscape.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Jase awarded them with a perfect 5-star rating, which was mostly thanks to their excellent stabilization, their unobtrusive controls and incredibly small form factor.
    — Paul Brett, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of unobtrusive
Adjective
  • To ensure his effectiveness and align with his routine, team officials are more judicious in phoning down to the bullpen when he could be used.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Buck has long since dismounted from his high horse, but people who live in glass houses that are also occupied by Mike Darnell should probably be a bit more judicious when hucking rocks.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of judicious
Adjective
  • When in doubt, test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot first.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Mist dry clothing between wears, smooth wrinkles by hand and test an inconspicuous area first on delicate fabrics.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of inconspicuous

Browse Nearby Words

discredits
discreet
discreetly
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Cite this Entry

“Discreet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discreet. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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