as in distinction
the state of being kept distinct in her mind there did not exist a discrimination between the imaginary and the real

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun discrimination differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of discrimination are acumen, discernment, insight, penetration, and perception. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

Where would acumen be a reasonable alternative to discrimination?

The words acumen and discrimination can be used in similar contexts, but acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

When is discernment a more appropriate choice than discrimination?

Although the words discernment and discrimination have much in common, discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

When might insight be a better fit than discrimination?

While in some cases nearly identical to discrimination, insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When would penetration be a good substitute for discrimination?

The meanings of penetration and discrimination largely overlap; however, penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

When could perception be used to replace discrimination?

The words perception and discrimination are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

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 discrimination There aren’t many restrictions in place to prevent genetic discrimination, although the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act prevents gene information from being used for discrimination in health insurance coverage or employment. Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 14 June 2025 Following the passage of the Civil Rights Act in July, many of the bill’s champions, including Martin Luther King Jr., argued that new laws weren’t enough to end centuries of discrimination. Augustine Sedgewick, Time, 13 June 2025 Ames sued, alleging these decisions amounted to employment discrimination. Noah Feldman, Mercury News, 12 June 2025 Read Next National Who faces the most discrimination in the US? Natalie Demaree, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for discrimination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discrimination
Noun
  • Stein elaborates, drawing a distinction between highly skilled white-collar migrants, people including Alexander Hamilton, Albert Einstein and Elon Musk, and those who would in his view take jobs away from American low-wage workers.
    Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 23 June 2025
  • There’s a distinction to be made between collaboration and cooperation.
    Brendan O’Meara June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • The behavior of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) during separation from and reunion with the owner: A questionnaire and an experimental study.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • Of course, rumors about a possible separation pop up from time to time, but there doesn’t seem to be anything concrete about them.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discrimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discrimination. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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