discreet

adjective

dis·​creet di-ˈskrēt 

1

: having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech : prudent

especially : cautious and restrained (as in revealing information)

a discreet way to handle the problem

making discreet inquiries about the job

2

: unobtrusive, unnoticeable

followed at a discreet distance

a discreet gesture

3

: unpretentious, modest

… the warmth and discreet elegance of a civilized home.

—Joseph Wechsberg

Note: Do not confuse discreet with discrete, which typically means "separate" or "individually distinct."

discreetly adverb

discreetness noun

Synonyms of discreet

• intelligent
• cautious
• prudent
• judicious

Examples of discreet in a Sentence

For a couple who wanted a discreet bar between the study and the living room, Quogue, New York, architect Stuart Disston designed a small-scale bar that's hidden behind … doors under the stairs and takes advantage of plumbing in an adjacent powder room. —Sallie Brady, This Old House, January/February 2006

Without the knowledge of the exiled African National Congress leadership, he entered into a discreet dialogue with the South African government—which was reaching a similar conclusion. He later succeeded in convincing suspicious comrades of the need for a negotiated solution. —F. W. De Klerk, Time, 18 Apr. 2005

The New York Stock Exchange, meanwhile, has proposed a rule that would bar a stock-market analyst from talking to newspapers that fail to disclose the analyst's conflicts of interest. Even the C.E.O. of Goldman Sachs, one of Wall Street's most discreet firms, has chimed in … and has extorted his peers to restore "trust in our system." —New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2002

Discreet disclaimers by the tourist board to the effect that "there is no evidence whatever that Prince Vlad Tepes (TSEH-pesh), or Vlad the Impaler, inhabited the castle" do nothing to discourage its notoriety as Dracula's reputed residence. Mythically, at least, this is in fact where he lived—and always will. —Erik Sandberg-Diment, New York Times, 21 June 1998

he was very discreet, only saying what was necessary

with a discreet gesture, she signalled to her husband that she was ready to leave the party

Recent Examples on the Web

Branding Some people like clothing with prominent branding, and others prefer their garments to be a bit more discreet. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025

In winter 2025, shoes typically associated with our beloved grannies—think square-toe silhouettes, short block heels, and discreet buckles—have resurfaced as an elegant footwear alternative. —Alex Sales, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2025

With only nine residences in total, the building remains one of Manhattan’s most discreet examples of high architecture in a neighborhood defined by it, surrounded by works from Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel, and Bjarke Ingels. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025

For a discreet seal, consider using a clear silicone option. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English discrete, discret, discreet "morally discerning, prudent, separate, distinct," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French discret, borrowed from Medieval Latin discrētus "separate, distinct, showing discernment, prudent," going back to Latin, "separated, differentiated," from past participle of discernere "to separate, distinguish" — more at discern

Note: See note at discrete.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for discreet

• amit
• athlete
• backseat
• blackfeet
• broadsheet
• browbeat
• buckwheat
• compete
• compleat
• complete
• conceit
• concrete

Kids Definition

discreet

adjective

dis·​creet dis-ˈkrēt 

: having or showing good judgment especially in conduct or speech

discreetly adverb

discreetness noun