discard 1 of 2

noun

ˈdis-ˌkärd How to pronounce discard (audio)
Definition of discardnext
as in reject
something separated from a group or lot for not being as good as the others toss all of your discards in the garbage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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discard

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈkärd How to pronounce discard (audio)
as in to dump
to get rid of as useless or unwanted discard an old, torn sweater

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word discard different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of discard are cast, junk, scrap, shed, and slough. While all these words mean "to get rid of," discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless.

discard old clothes

Where would cast be a reasonable alternative to discard?

The words cast and discard can be used in similar contexts, but cast, especially when used with off, away, or out, implies a forceful rejection or repudiation.

cast off her friends

How are the words scrap and junk related as synonyms of discard?

Both scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form.

scrap all the old ways
would junk our educational system

How do shed and slough relate to one another, in the sense of discard?

Shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster.

shed a bad habit
finally sloughed off the depression

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 discard
Noun
Are the players wondering if owner Jed York is ready to end this era with a series of discards, which already started with the release of stalwart Arik Armstead in March? —Tim Kawakami, The Athletic, 9 Aug. 2024 Gently twist a lemon peel over to the drink to release the oil and discard. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
Verb
Meanwhile, fill a serving glass with ice and add absinthe, swirl until glass is cold and coated with absinthe and then discard the contents. —Jeff Burkhart, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025 Refrain from discarding live charcoal onto the ground and leaving it. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discard
  1. reject
  2. dump
  3. cull
  4. ditch
  5. second
  6. unload
  7. rejection
  8. lose
Noun
  • The modern reject rejects the academic consensus on everything from the science of vaccines to the benefits of free trade.
    — Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Still, the rejects are legion: Amy Sedaris, Tiffany Haddish, Jim Carrey, Nick Kroll, Aubrey Plaza, John Goodman, Geena Davis, Jennifer Aniston, Andrea Martin, Zach Galifianakis, Paul Reubens.
    — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
Definition of reject
Verb
  • The plan is/was to dump most of the high-leverage load on Romano, Matt Strahm, José Alvarado and Orion Kerkering.
    — Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Global investors have been fretting over the effects of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on the global economy, leading them to dump equities.
    — Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of dump
Noun
  • In a February cull of Pentagon school books, a picture book about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the liberal icon who was the first Jewish woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, was placed under review for potential DEI content.
    — Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Featuring hundreds of reindeer skulls hung in a curtain, the installation commented on the cull decreed by the Norwegian Reindeer Herding Act, which goes against Sámi traditions.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of cull
Verb
  • Keep the voice, ditch the details Maintain your natural speaking voice in your content.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Some experts say the only way Tesla can recover its brand image is to ditch Musk as CEO.
    — Scott Neuman, NPR, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of ditch
Noun
  • The ball fell to the court in no-man’s land and the final seconds ran off the clock.
    — Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • But Houston swarmed back with a furious rally, erasing a nine-point deficit over the final 135 seconds for a thrilling victory.
    — Matt Rybaltowski, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of second
Verb
  • Shipping containers on the MSC Livorno await unloading at the Port of Long Beach, California on March 5, 2025, one day after US President Donald Trump.
    — Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Another 45 minutes later, boxes of staples, MREs, and cases of water were being unloaded and distributed to the community, which had gone without these essentials for eight days.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of unload
Noun
  • Rather than accepting these rejections, Green decided to self-publish.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Bibi believes this rejection of woke culture and equality is leading to a growing hatred among these young boys.
    — Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of rejection
Verb
  • Since March 2024, Tszyu is 0-2, losing his WBO light middleweight title to Sebastian Fundora by split decision, and most recently, in October 2024, falling to Bakhram Murtazaliev in an IBF title fight by third-round knockout.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The state hopes to attract highly skilled federal workers who have lost their jobs since Trump took office to those positions, the department spokesperson said.
    — William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of lose

Browse Nearby Words

disbursing
discard
discarded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discard. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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