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 findings may allow researchers to better understand the extreme conditions of the comet’s planetary system — and even discern what the Milky Way galaxy was like long before our solar system appeared.
—
Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
But discerning who’s the best fit for the costly, lifelong treatment has been uncertain.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 30 Apr. 2026
Economists and other observers will be looking to Powell and other Fed voters to discern when the war’s toll on inflation will spill over from gas and oil to other sectors, and whether the impact on inflation will be temporary or more enduring.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
A-list celebrities and an unostentatious and discerning clientele of predominantly French, US, European, and South American guests, many of them regulars who stay for a week or more.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discern
Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
But discerning who’s the best fit for the costly, lifelong treatment has been uncertain.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 30 Apr. 2026
Economists and other observers will be looking to Powell and other Fed voters to discern when the war’s toll on inflation will spill over from gas and oil to other sectors, and whether the impact on inflation will be temporary or more enduring.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
A-list celebrities and an unostentatious and discerning clientele of predominantly French, US, European, and South American guests, many of them regulars who stay for a week or more.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
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This year, though, some teammates have noticed Brunson using his voice more.—
James L. Edwards III,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
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On my visits home, my mother might at first pretend not to notice me.—
Nicholas Dawidoff,
New Yorker,
10 May 2026
Verb
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That feature may help differentiate it from some competitors in the category, including brands that market themselves as premium but quietly source from overseas.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
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Given the artistry, the texture has intentional crumpling, something that differentiates it from the rest.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
13 May 2026
Verb
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When told of his dismissal, Morey was surprised and expressed disappointment but was understanding.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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But, ultimately, at the very top, presidents and provosts are going to have to understand that expertise is their mission.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
Verb
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The backstory South America’s largest city sprawls as far as the eye can see with towers and highways, which explains how this part of town (not the most central) has become a hub for meetings.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
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But drivers wouldn’t immediately see that full amount shaved off their bills under a suspension.—
Wyatte Grantham-Philips,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The challenge is distinguishing imbalances rooted in fundamentals from those created by policy distortions.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
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Lexington is the epicenter of western North Carolina barbecue (also known as Piedmont style), which distinguishes itself from the other half of the state by adding ketchup to its signature sweet and tangy sauce.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
Verb
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Did either network know Krakowski was double dipping?—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
15 May 2026
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Sark knows the Texas football team isn't there for academics, or at least, the starters.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Soon, survey crews showed up, bulldozers were spotted along dusty roads, and the Army Corps of Engineers arranged private meetings.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
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Neapolitan pizza is characterized by a round, soft dough with a very thin center and a high, airy crust spotted with bits of char.—
Lauren Schuster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 May 2026
Verb
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In corporate news, luxury conglomerate and industry bellwether LVMH reported quarterly sales that missed expectations on Monday as the sector begins to decipher the fallout from the war in the Middle East and its impact on stocks.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2026
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The researchers then deciphered certain traits that were linked to the habit.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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