Synonyms of discrete

discrete

adjective

di-ˈskrēt 

as in single

not physically attached to another unit

several discrete sections to this vast medical complex, including a college of pharmacology and a research center

Synonyms & Similar Words

• single
• separate
• detached
• private
• unconnected
• independent
• free
• individual
• disconnected
• freestanding
• unattached
• self-contained

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• connected
• joined
• attached
• linked
• adjoining

Synonym Chooser

How is the word discrete different from other adjectives like it?

The words distinct and separate are common synonyms of discrete. While all three words mean "not being each and every one the same," discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection.

broke the job down into discrete stages

When can distinct be used instead of discrete?

The meanings of distinct and discrete largely overlap; however, distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others.

two distinct versions

When could separate be used to replace discrete?

The synonyms separate and discrete are sometimes interchangeable, but separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things.

separate rooms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of discrete

Rather than discrete events with a beginning, a middle, and an end, wars might be better understood as the result of poor and dysfunctional political relations that are difficult to manage by nonviolent means. —Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025

None of these notebooks' integrated graphics comes within miles of a gaming laptop's discrete GPU. —PC Magazine, 13 Apr. 2025

In quantum mechanics, quantum leaps, called quantization, mean particles can transition between discrete energy states without passing through intermediate positions. —Gregory Crawford, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

To replicate that process, organizations should allocate a discrete pool of resources to investigate the next set of technologies, identify emerging trends among the customer base and across the industry, and uncover what competitors are working on. —Chris Perry, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025