discreet

[dih-skreet] / dɪˈskrit /

ADJECTIVE

cautious, sensible

Synonyms

STRONGEST

attentive careful considerate intelligent noncommittal prudent reasonable restrained tactful thoughtful watchful

WEAK

alert awake cagey calculating chary circumspect civil conservative controlled diplomatic discerning discriminating gingerly guarded having foresight heedful judicious like a clam moderate not rash observant on lookout politic precautious reserved safe sagacious strategic temperate vigilant wary wise worldly-wise

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless heedless idiotic inattentive incautious inconsiderate negligent stupid thoughtless unmindful unthoughtful

WEAK

foolish indiscreet rash reckless uncareful undiscerning

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Long before likes and shares, there wasn’t a door policy exactly, but you could be subject to an unspoken, discreet screening at the host table.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

So the device isn’t as discreet in some regards, but future models might be harder to spot.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2026

Her design philosophy mirrors her own discreet personality, with a focus on quality and comfort through quiet evolutions, rather than flashy re-invention.

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

Sunday's emergency meeting in Brussels of EU ambassadors was a discreet affair, unlike the routine top level summits where the traffic stops, roads are closed and leaders stream towards the cameras to deliver their thoughts.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2026

What I remember is that there was this discreet agreement among us all not to quiz each other too much about our claims.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Vocabulary lists containing discreet

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