discontinuous

adjective

ˌdis-kən-ˈtin-yə-wəs How to pronounce discontinuous (audio)
Definition of discontinuousnext
as in sporadic
lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence the novel captures the discontinuous nature of a soldier's life: long stretches of boredom interrupted by flashes of action

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 discontinuous In other words, the global village attempts to describe rather than celebrate a new situation, a new way of being in the western world which is disincarnate and discontinuous. — Brian A. Cogan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 May 2026 This eerie sensation is further enhanced by elliptical editing that seamlessly skips back and forth in time across the span of just a few days, creating a sense of fluidity across what should feel discontinuous. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 Feb. 2026 When reinforced with discontinuous fibers, vitrimers, a class of plastic, can be reshaped repeatedly, crushed, and molded into new forms many times without their chemical structure degrading. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2025 Additionally, scientists uncovered a necropolis of children, also dating from the Gallo-Roman period, and discontinuous remains extending into the modern era. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discontinuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discontinuous
  1. sporadic
  2. intermittent
  3. occasional
  4. sudden
  5. irregular
Adjective
  • The only other competitors were the Anglo-French Concorde and the sporadic Soviet Tupolev Tu-144 program.
    — David Szondy July 02, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
  • Redevelopment in downtown Miami and the accidental discovery of the mysterious Miami Circle in 1998 have ushered in a quarter-century of sporadic but remarkable archaeological revelations.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Definition of sporadic
Adjective
  • Expanding its use displaces coal in Asia and supports the integration of intermittent renewables by providing flexible backup.
    — David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Research has shown, for example, that intermittent fasting may be as effective as low-calorie diets for weight loss.
    — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of intermittent
Adjective
  • Luke Russert joined his father for major political conventions and occasional shows on the road, Fischer Martin said.
    — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • This frequent, high-profile casting strategy, distinct from occasional star cameos, transforms 'Oh, Mary' into a dynamic, high-demand theatrical experience.
    — Katie North, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of occasional
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
  • Small Holes One sign of snakes in your garden could be the sudden appearance of small holes that could be about the size of a small coin, or up to two inches.
    — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026
Definition of sudden
Adjective
  • The pope’s visit comes just two weeks after the European Union began implementing a new set of rules governing how each of its 27 member states will deal with irregular migration and asylum seekers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • And studies have shown that the primary incentive for irregular migration is jobs for the parents, not birthright citizenship for their children.
    — Amanda Frost, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Definition of irregular

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discontinuity
discontinuous
discontinuously
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Cite this Entry

“Discontinuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discontinuous. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on discontinuous

Nglish: Translation of discontinuous for Spanish Speakers

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