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 most valuable skill to master early is discerning who to listen to—and whose advice and opinions to gently lay to the side.
—
Essence Editors, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
The trade-off for leaning heavily on their discerning tactical eye and technical prowess is that none of them do much running these days.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
By the end of the night, however, any external, discerning traits fade away, leaving Scott by his lonesome.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025
The best way to discern real innovation from noise is to evaluate how much any new model/agent/capability improves upon your current performance.
—Yersultan Sapar, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Essence Editors, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
The trade-off for leaning heavily on their discerning tactical eye and technical prowess is that none of them do much running these days.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
By the end of the night, however, any external, discerning traits fade away, leaving Scott by his lonesome.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025
The best way to discern real innovation from noise is to evaluate how much any new model/agent/capability improves upon your current performance.
—Yersultan Sapar, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
-
Rosario said he's noticed an increase in Latino jockeys over the last two decades.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
3 May 2025
-
But editors noticed that this cake went beyond the classic grocery store flavors with a unique layer of filling in the center.—
Catherine Jessee,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
Verb
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The company doesn’t differentiate between its own shopping service and those of rivals, a spokesperson added, noting that more than 1,550 comparison shopping sites in Europe currently use its display — up from just seven in 2017.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
13 May 2025
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Analyze successful client relationships, uncover magnetic elements often overlooked by business owners, refine communication styles, and highlight differentiating factors from competitors.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
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And most key is that Abby is part of something much larger, which Ellie and Dina do not understand going into this at all.—
Adam B. Vary,
Variety,
5 May 2025
-
Readers understood the necessity of balancing discretion and seduction, subtlety and audacity.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
Back to battle once again for their lives and a giant cash prize, the wordless preview sees contestants facing a series of high-stakes situations, involving guns, fists and an ominous giant gumball machine.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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Southern Baptist churches lost more than a quarter-million members nationwide in 2024, the 18th straight year of decline, but saw baptism and attendance numbers rise.—
Frank E. Lockwood,
Arkansas Online,
10 May 2025
Verb
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The institutional medical setting becomes the background for a tale that doesn’t finely distinguish between memory and imagination, one realm bleeding freely into the next.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2025
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During a pre-market analyst call, WBD CEO David Zaslav underscored that Max’s focus appears to be distinguishing itself from the big, broad offering the company had initially pitched.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2025
Verb
-
The channel is known for its over-the-top stunts and contests.—
Lexy Perez,
HollywoodReporter,
5 May 2025
-
The two probably are best known for their collaboration on Silver Linings Playbook.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
5 May 2025
Verb
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Earlier this month, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was seen in New York City for an American Eagle photoshoot, reports said, and he was spotted in sporty white apparel.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
15 May 2025
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Stewart frequently wears Skechers slip-ins, and Kate Hudson was spotted in similar white slip-on sneakers last summer.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
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On paper, the perfect match might not be difficult to decipher, and Lucy very much looks at the numbers.—
Jessica Wang,
EW.com,
2 May 2025
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However, the current system is a mishmash of educational jargon that is difficult to decipher.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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