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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of discern
Currently, gourmands with celiac disease or with food allergies wanting to dine out are reliant on accurate menus listings or verbal warnings from staff to discern which dishes are safe.
—
Shirl Leigh
january 14, New Atlas, 14 Jan. 2026
Fast-food giants have continued to update their value meals as a way to stimulate traffic among discerning consumers concerned about inflation and other financial challenges.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026
How many American adults understand the value of discerning the reliability of a post that’s gone viral?
—Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
After contemplating very deeply and carefully for many long hours attempting to discern a plausible alternative explanation for the rhetoric and the policies, what is the only thing that a reasonable person can conclude?
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discern
Shirl Leigh
january 14, New Atlas, 14 Jan. 2026
Fast-food giants have continued to update their value meals as a way to stimulate traffic among discerning consumers concerned about inflation and other financial challenges.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026
How many American adults understand the value of discerning the reliability of a post that’s gone viral?
—Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
After contemplating very deeply and carefully for many long hours attempting to discern a plausible alternative explanation for the rhetoric and the policies, what is the only thing that a reasonable person can conclude?
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
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Then Heard noticed a provision in a California law created in 2012 that allows juveniles sentenced to life without parole to petition for resentencing.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
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First responders noticed that the child seemed malnourished and had bruising on his body, police said.—
Clifford Ward,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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These are placed in P6 cell culture dishes and differentiated by an orbital shaker.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
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Younger siblings often play more dangerous sports, research shows, as a way to differentiate themselves.—
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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London — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Britain’s Prince Andrew, has moved out of his longtime Windsor home and is now a resident of Norfolk, England, CNN understands.—
Max Foster,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
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That’s what’s gotta be understood.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Another source said the comedian was once frequently spotted around town over the summer but hasn't been seen since.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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Ukrainian civilians are struggling with one of the coldest winters in years, which saw temperatures dip to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But critics argue the law does not distinguish between responsible editorial judgment and censorship.—
Jack O'Connor,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
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Creating a dedicated deck for intimate meals—including formal five-course dinners prepared by the boat’s Ecuadorian chef with an all-inclusive wine and spirits menu—was central to distinguishing Hermes’s offering.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Bass, who was politically weakened by her performance during the fire and its aftermath, was already facing more than two dozen challengers looking to oust her in the June 2 primary — the vast majority little known to the public and not expected to pose any threat.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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One note e-mailed Monday to the KOLD-TV newsroom in Tucson included information that only the abductor would know, anchor Mary Coleman told CNN.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Another source said the comedian was once frequently spotted around town over the summer but hasn't been seen since.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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This – along with memorizing their individual preferences and an eye for spotting the next big thing in fashion – has cemented her name in a highly competitive industry.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As an avalanche and dead bodies ratchet up the suspense, Zach must lean on his mother’s wisdom to fight for his life while deciphering a confusing undercurrent of danger, violence and betrayal among the survivors.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
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But this can be tricky to decipher without a medical degree.—
Korin Miller,
Flow Space,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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