1
as in to notice
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes
barely able to discern the garden gate through the mist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to differentiate
to understand or point out the difference in
too young to discern between right and wrong
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to understand
to have a clear idea of
we're still trying to discern the meaning of that cryptic remark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discern
The Japanese researchers used their simulations to discern that a dugout canoe would have been the most likely vessel used by Paleolithic humans.
—
Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 July 2025
Since reaching the semifinals of the LVMH Prize in 2023, Kartik Research’s contemporary take on Indian heritage and craftsmanship has won a cult following among discerning customers, including a growing number of women.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
In the 2025 Product of the Year Awards, ALDI was recently lauded for eight products that took the top prize in their respective categories, voted on by thousands of discerning customers balancing quality and quantity with affordability.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 19 June 2025
The sheer diversity of the collection is a testament to Koch’s discerning taste.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 July 2025
Since reaching the semifinals of the LVMH Prize in 2023, Kartik Research’s contemporary take on Indian heritage and craftsmanship has won a cult following among discerning customers, including a growing number of women.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
In the 2025 Product of the Year Awards, ALDI was recently lauded for eight products that took the top prize in their respective categories, voted on by thousands of discerning customers balancing quality and quantity with affordability.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 19 June 2025
The sheer diversity of the collection is a testament to Koch’s discerning taste.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
-
Sports fans may notice a difference in the race calls this season as longtime announcer Trevor Denman announced his retirement in March.—
Kelley Carlson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 July 2025
-
Helping young people: Tribes seek foster care for kids in need, but strained resources lead some to group homes Manuel also noticed that many foster kids were hungry to learn about their cultural roots, which sparked another idea.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
AZCentral.com,
4 July 2025
Verb
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In a saturated mid-market bracket, Hampton’s leadership has managed to differentiate the brand through an obsessive drive to understand customers.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
When compared to bikes with comparable performance, the E-VO differentiates itself with its cost.—
Utkarsh Sood
June 29,
New Atlas,
29 June 2025
Verb
-
Some things are beyond the capacity of a child to understand, while others resonate most profoundly out of the mouths of babes.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
5 July 2025
-
If not, the Kings might come to understand why Kerr couldn’t always trust Kuminga in key situations.—
Jason Anderson
July 5,
Sacbee.com,
5 July 2025
Verb
-
And club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen is first on the list of those the club would like to see leave before the end of the transfer window.—
Pol Ballús,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
-
Lorde keeps it casual in New York as she is seen outside of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on June 24.—
Grace Harrington,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
But protesters said President Trump’s decision is symbolic of America’s role in Israel’s broader retaliatory military campaign, one that’s killed more than 55,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.—
Lila Hempel-Edgers,
Charlotte Observer,
27 June 2025
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Savvy operators are beginning to distinguish between short-term curiosity spend and deeper, more sustainable value.—
Vlad Panin,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
The Trump administration said the strikes destroyed Iran's nuclear infrastructure, but the full extent of the damage is not known.—
Sonam Sheth
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
-
The attack is believed to be part of a hacking spree perpetrated by a cybercrime group known as Scattered Spider.—
Thomas Brewster,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Verb
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Companies that want to retain talent need to get better at spotting burnout early.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Sydney Sweeney is head-to-toe in black as she is spotted in Venice for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding on June 27.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
In other words, there was too much atmospheric static to decipher information using classical techniques.—
Joanna Thompson,
Space.com,
21 June 2025
-
Mortgage professionals have mastered the art of deciphering hidden meanings, changing fears into wisdom and confusion into action.—
Neil Anders,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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