Synonyms of discriminating

discriminating 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈskri-mə-ˌnā-tiŋ 

1

as in discriminatory

favoring, applying, or being unequal treatment of different classes of people

accused of discriminating practices in the hiring of employees

Synonyms & Similar Words

• discriminatory
• unfair
• discriminative
• unjust
• differential
• selective
• discriminational
• unequal
• biased
• partisan
• inequitable
• prejudicial
• prejudiced
• elitist
• partial
• segregative
• clubby

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nondiscriminatory
• equal
• equitable
• fair
• neutral
• just
• impartial
• objective
• unbiased
• unprejudiced
• uncolored

2

as in characteristic

serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group

a discriminating feature of poison ivy is a compound leaf with three mitten-shaped leaflets

Synonyms & Similar Words

• characteristic
• distinguishing
• distinctive
• distinct
• typical
• identifying
• individual
• diagnostic
• peculiar
• proper
• symptomatic
• classic
• unmistakable
• general
• specific
• usual
• identifiable
• idiosyncratic
• common
• generic
• special
• particular
• pronounced
• normal
• regular
• especial
• model
• paradigmatic
• archetypal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• atypical
• uncharacteristic
• untypical
• nontypical

discriminating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of discriminate

as in differentiating

to understand or point out the difference in

the human eye can discriminate between very slight gradations of color

Synonyms & Similar Words

• differentiating
• distinguishing
• discerning
• separating
• differencing
• secerning
• understanding
• knowing
• dividing
• contradistinguishing
• comprehending
• grasping
• demarcating
• marking (off)
• severing
• setting off
• parting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mixing (up)
• confusing
• mistaking
• mingling
• confounding
• lumping (together)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of discriminating

Adjective

Special effects were progressing with varying results, but intelligent storytelling was leading the charge as viewers became more discriminating. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2025

Insurers, alerted to the problem and granted permission to respond, grew more discriminating in their underwriting and more probing in their investigations. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025

Verb

The London Telegraph, discriminating in these matters, rates it the best luxury digs in Paris. — David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

The White House has argued that, in directing resources to racial groups that have historically fallen behind, officials are discriminating against other students. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026