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
New Collector Currencies With a more sophisticated and diverse consumer base that is discerning in its spending, a new trifecta for competitive advantage has emerged.
—
Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for discern
Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
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In an inversion of the more common critical reception of an emerging artist, this new writer’s poetry was often noticed but seldom admired, notwithstanding the Daily Mirror’s snide enthusiasm.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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The biggest change many Coloradans will notice is the temperature.—
Callie Zanandrie,
CBS News,
17 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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Constant said families should be able to look several years ahead and understand whether their children are likely to have transfer opportunities available.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
19 May 2026
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Van de Peer and his colleagues wanted to understand what accounts for the abundance of modern polyploidy and the seeming relative scarcity of it long ago.—
Ari Daniel,
NPR,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Fox joined a Spurs team that had Paul start all 82 games last season, watched the Spurs replace Paul with second-overall draft pick Dylan Harper and then saw Stephon Castle build on his Rookie of the Year campaign by leading San Antonio in touches and assists.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
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Some saw the chance to steer Cuba to a model like Vietnam, where communist rule coexisted with a thriving economy.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
21 May 2026
Verb
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But his team distinguished themselves through superior organisation with and without the ball, exploiting space to play to the specific strengths of their personnel.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
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That framework, Yeon says, distinguishes Korean commercial cinema from other markets.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 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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In other offensive line news, Michael Jerrell was working at first-team right tackle Tuesday, with Jawaan Taylor and Storm Norton not spotted on the field at the time.—
Josh Kendall,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
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Bacha spotted a leg and began to clear the rubble around it, revealing the body of a small girl.—
Rania Abouzeid,
New Yorker,
21 May 2026
Verb
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As a preface, the conclusion here, deciphered from the scene by this author, was a plea for Giannis Antetokounmpo.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
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By slow degrees, Philip’s story shifts to accommodate the incontrovertible evidence of IP addresses and deciphered cryptography and Lucy struggles to keep up, let alone understand.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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