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descant

[des-kant, des-kant, dis-] / ˈdɛs kænt, dɛsˈkænt, dɪs- /
NOUN
discourse
Synonyms
Antonyms


VERB
remark
Synonyms
Antonyms
STRONG


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.

A pair of harps, placed antiphonally in boxes at opposite sides of the stage, plus a theorbo, offer an otherworldly descant, as do the sounds of the celesta and chimes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

For seven decades, Katz has been providing a visual descant to the work of the New York School of poets, many of whom were his friends.

From Washington Post • Oct. 29, 2022

The Hynde storyline, which includes her messing around with songs on an acoustic guitar, runs as a kind of descant against the personal and professional noise of the Pistols.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2022

With no lines to address it, this extension of the theme of assumed privilege can only serve as a descant to the others, but sometimes that’s enough.

From New York Times • Apr. 11, 2018

As the audience flows out of the auditorium, there is the same jubilant descant, the great sound of crowded people explaining things to each other as fast as their minds will work.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas




Vocabulary lists containing descant