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 The couple first tied the knot and later had a small, discreet ceremony in April 2016 in the Catskills, New York. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 26 Sep. 2026 First opened in 1926, The Mark has evolved from a neighborhood landmark into an international destination known for its discreet service, world-class dining and role at the center of New York’s social scene. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026 In 1981, Soviet spy Vladimir Kuzichkin offered up critical insider information on Iran’s Tudeh Party to Britain’s MI6 in exchange for discreet assistance with a personal affliction that was at the heart of his marital troubles. — Mary Lawrence Ware, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026 Watching darkness settle over the Bosphorus as dinner unfolded made the experience all the more memorable, helped by attentive but discreet service. — Vicki Power, TheWeek, 14 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
  • Legitimate concerns about abuse can be mitigated through intelligent regulation, not by eliminating a long-standing policing tool.
    — Rafael A. Mangual, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
  • View gallery - 3 images There was a time when intelligent rings were what your level-three wizard wore in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • They were rendered invisible in the dominant discourse, their deaths acceptable costs in a game of power politics and conquest.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The rich cinematic imagery and sound give new forms to the often complex and invisible realities of climate change.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of invisible
Adjective
  • Arellano contends that Becerra should project a more forceful, less cautious persona, drawing on the immigrant and working-class experience of Latino families.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Be cautious with financial ventures before taking unnecessary risks.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 1 Oct. 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 5 Oct. 2026.

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