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
Markets have gyrated as traders try to discern the outlook for the Fed.
—
John Towfighi, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
This marketing quote targets elite, discerning buyers by comparing the extreme diamond studded artistry of the Graff Diamonds Hallucination, with the horological technical engineering mastery of the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime.
—Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
Exactly how these purchases relate to immigration enforcement is not always easy to discern.
—Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2026
His ascent has served as a full-circle validation of both his own determination and the Royals’ discerning eye on him.
—Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discern
John Towfighi, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
This marketing quote targets elite, discerning buyers by comparing the extreme diamond studded artistry of the Graff Diamonds Hallucination, with the horological technical engineering mastery of the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime.
—Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
Exactly how these purchases relate to immigration enforcement is not always easy to discern.
—Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2026
His ascent has served as a full-circle validation of both his own determination and the Royals’ discerning eye on him.
—Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
-
Women suffering through the hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and sleep problems that can come with menopause — all while looking in the mirror and noticing signs of aging — are being bombarded with products.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The passenger in the back eventually looked up from her phone, noticed Louise, and locked eyes with this bewildered-looking woman blocking the crosswalk.—
Catherine Lacey,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The researchers did not differentiate between sources of dust in their latest study.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
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The various noodle soups are differentiated by the composition of their broth base as well as the toppings included.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Weiss understood why Soler was mad.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Americans already understood it more than the cuisine of her native Laos — in many ways similar, but deeper, more umami-driven.—
Timothy DePeugh,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Horner also talked about being concerned about losing his job, wanting to see his child and worrying about what was going to happen to him, Espinoza said.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The people were lodging complaints about the government's intensifying crackdown on the internet that has seen regular shutdowns of cellphone internet connections, blocked popular messaging apps and cut access to thousands of other websites and digital services.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Fathoms is a frictionless listen, but there’s a stubborn sense of craft to it, and that’s what distinguishes it from the streaming-era onslaught of music with little purpose except to be pleasant.—
Daniel Bromfield,
Pitchfork,
6 Apr. 2026
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Yet that requires taking care to distinguish between the regime and its civilians, and to avoid collateral damage.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Neon Carnival Neon Carnival hits a major milestone this year, celebrating 15 years as one of the festival weekend's most exclusive, invite-only parties known for attracting A-list stars (hey Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce!—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
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By 1996, the two had merged to become the joint Rainbow/PUSH, now known as the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Byron Nelson rallies to dump Keller, sweep series Trophy Club Byron Nelson spotted Keller a couple of runs in the top of the first, but rallied with 4 in the third and 3 in the sixth to ease past the Indians 10-6 in a District 4-6A game on Tuesday at Byron Nelson High School.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
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As Consequence of Sound notes, a billboard advertising the album was spotted on the route to Indio, California, the site of Coachella.—
Steven J. Horowitz,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The researchers then deciphered certain traits that were linked to the habit.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Kinsella was excited for Yates’ voice to be an easter egg—one of many voices to be deciphered by fans among a scream-singing chorus.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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