DISCERN Synonyms: 107 Similar and Opposite Words

discern

verb

di-ˈsərn

Definition of discern

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

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

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 show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of discern Customers are becoming more discerning, investing in timeless, versatile pieces over products designed purely for hype. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 This unexpected ending shifts the narrative from military triumph to spiritually discerning and expressing God’s all-embracing love. — Liesl Ehmke, Christian Science Monitor, 29 June 2026 This is especially true as people try to discern what roles Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will have in the monarchy going forward. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 26 June 2026 CMOs need to sharpen their ability to discern trends and patterns from a firehose of data. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for discern

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern

Verb

Those who noticed the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.

— CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
Clear a shelf, soften a room, or give yourself space to notice what has been quietly building in the background.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026

Definition of notice

Verb

What differentiates Ammortal from the glut of wellness and optimization products on the market, according to its charismatic and observably in-shape founder, is the promise of a more all-encompassing experience of physical and mental restoration.

— Jake Nevins, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
Given the artistry, the texture has intentional crumpling, something that differentiates it from the rest.

— Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 13 July 2026

Definition of differentiate

Verb

As some participants vow to be crucified in exchange for family members’ recovery from ill health, panata is also understood as a sacrifice made out of love for others in the community.

— H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2026
The study was conducted to better understand the true prevalence and distribution of alpha-gal IgE, antibodies produced by the body to fight the presence of the sugar molecule alpha-gal.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

Mercedes-Benz Stadium might never again see two comebacks like the ones engineered by Messi in Atlanta.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
She’s seen during a dance rehearsal, a silly social media clip, and onstage from their Lollapalooza set, the latter of which came before her announcement in February to step away from Katseye.

— Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026

Definition of see

Verb

Sugar acts like each cell’s own personal crest, helping to distinguish them from each other.

— Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Clinical psychologist Willoughby Britton distinguishes between temporary distress and experiences that negatively affect daily functioning.

— Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

Definition of distinguish

Verb

An area known for rough currents The 18-year-old’s body was found in the water just off the shore on the northwestern end of Horn Island, Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd said.

— Holly Yan, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Linnaea’s is known for its pastries, specialty coffees and its tranquil back patio.

— Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of know

Verb

They had been spotted in nearby trees but didn’t immediately return to the nest.

— Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Rodríguez Castro made at least 23 private trips aboard a private jet to Panama between 2024 and late 2025, where he was spotted luxury-shopping.

— Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Definition of spot

Verb

Jonestown afflicted Naipaul’s vision, his way of deciphering not just political manias but the dreariness of urban life, the perpetual doom of the nuclear-arms race.

— Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 14 July 2026
Angela George The recount board is sticking around after business hours for now to tabulate ballots that needed to be duplicated after the voting machine could not read or decipher the ballot.

— Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 8 July 2026

Definition of decipher

Browse Nearby Words

discarnate

discern

discerned

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of discern

verb

Example Sentences

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