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 Clooneys are very discerning about choosing work projects to ensure their kids take priority.
—
Kayla Grant, People.com, 3 July 2025
The key is discerning between those who are willing to grow and those who choose to sow discord.
—Jennifer C. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
With moon light and a carbide light, Tobe could discern the eyes of several gators.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Some artists report losing significant opportunities and having to switch careers because of the genre’s downturn; others are paranoid, unable to discern the real from the hoax.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Kayla Grant, People.com, 3 July 2025
The key is discerning between those who are willing to grow and those who choose to sow discord.
—Jennifer C. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
With moon light and a carbide light, Tobe could discern the eyes of several gators.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Some artists report losing significant opportunities and having to switch careers because of the genre’s downturn; others are paranoid, unable to discern the real from the hoax.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
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Maybe a student is an amateur chef who notices that there are few affordable bakers in the area for parties and community events.—
Christopher Rim,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Pankow's absence is noticed on set of the final season, Cline says.—
Julia Moore,
People.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
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For now, Samsung is leaning on hardware upgrades and AI to differentiate its phones from the growing competition.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
-
This helps differentiate it from the CX-50 while offering an option that sits between that smaller model and the larger CX-70.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
10 July 2025
Verb
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With millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok and Substack, the platform is positioned towards helping young people better understand the news, with regular free newsletters and podcasts.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
15 July 2025
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However, the evidence is mixed; researchers think larger studies are needed to understand caffeine's influence on this condition.15 What Are the Potential Downsides of Cloud Coffee?—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
15 July 2025
Verb
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According to statements from camp officials and survivors, Eastland was last seen leading a group of girls from a cabin trying to get them to safety.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
8 July 2025
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Chicago O’Hare, one of the world’s busiest airports, saw nearly 114,000 passengers, also a record.—
Frank Holmes,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Verb
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At just under 6-5 without shoes, Tre distinguishes himself as an outside shooter.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
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How does history distinguish knaves from legendary figures?—
W.E. Gutman,
Sun Sentinel,
8 July 2025
Verb
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Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
7 July 2025
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The Ellington Farmers Market is a town favorite in an area known for their farms and cows.—
Kaitlyn Keegan,
Hartford Courant,
6 July 2025
Verb
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Trump said the tariffs could amount to 100%. FBI Director Kash Patel, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche were all spotted on the White House grounds Monday afternoon.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
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While browsing the agency's website, Kelly spotted a little girl with spina bifida.—
Analisa Novak,
CBS News,
14 July 2025
Verb
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People were quick to decipher the message — and went bananas, as expected.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
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With these additional texts, the team was able to completely decipher this ancient hymn of praise.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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