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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

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

She can be gentle and folky or muster mock-classical strings and flute; she overdubs herself into a hearty campfire choir or an ethereal descant.

From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2011

I had described myself as being stood on a heap of telephone directories to sing the descant to Beethoven's Creation's Hymn.

From The Guardian • Oct. 17, 2010

This is a countermelody, sometimes called a descant part.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones




Vocabulary lists containing descant