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
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
As can be discerned from De Moraes’ pre-match speech, confidence in Brazil was ridiculously high.
—
Will Jeanes, New York Times, 5 June 2026
With now more than 1,000 luxury and lifestyle properties globally, Hilton delivers more aspirational choices to discerning travelers.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 4 June 2026
Netflix now integrates generative AI and natural language processing to help discern what a viewer is in the mood to watch, Stone said.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
Height can be surprisingly difficult to discern when watching a basketball game.
—Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for discern
Will Jeanes, New York Times, 5 June 2026
With now more than 1,000 luxury and lifestyle properties globally, Hilton delivers more aspirational choices to discerning travelers.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 4 June 2026
Netflix now integrates generative AI and natural language processing to help discern what a viewer is in the mood to watch, Stone said.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
Height can be surprisingly difficult to discern when watching a basketball game.
—Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
-
Many are noticing the impact their reliance on technology has had on their relationships, and are craving real personal connections.—
Staff Author,
Parents,
7 June 2026
-
Some consumers didn't seem to notice, or care.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
To differentiate them from other denim in your closet, these jeans have a double-button finish that creates the look of a longer waist.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
11 June 2026
-
Correspondent Adam Yamaguchi looks at what differentiates the Japanese diet.—
David Morgan,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
This is inevitably a book by a human about how humans—the makers of art and its viewers—understand the dog seeing in relation to our species.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
-
While readouts from the two sides as of Tuesday afternoon did not reference nuclear weapons, the meetings may also be a chance for each to understand the other’s strategy and stance – and express their own.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Ahead of the biggest New York Knicks game a generation has ever seen, team owner James Dolan has gotten into a war of words with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.—
Ryan Morik OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 June 2026
-
Very common to see in UIL Texas high school basketball playoffs.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Evette has seen a noticeable boost in polling since the May 29 endorsement, which appears to have distinguished her from the rest of the herd.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
-
Ortega has worked to elevate Zara’s brand beyond fast fashion, through a series of creative collaborations and a stronger focus on design, helping the group distinguish itself from a growing wave of fast-fashion competitors.—
Sam Birchall,
Fortune,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Federal authorities said the unsafe or improper use of drones, also known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), can pose risks to aircraft, law enforcement operations and people on the ground.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
-
The deliberate blackouts, commonly known as Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS, events, are affecting homes and businesses in eight counties north and west of Sacramento County.—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Golf ball-sized hail was also spotted.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
-
From the observation deck, visitors can spot the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island and a patchwork of neighborhoods draped across rolling hills.—
Alia Beard Rau,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
An education tent will provide free education and resources regarding topics from deciphering Title IX to end-of-life care and self-advocacy.—
Sophie Lindberg,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
-
Armed with an adventure kit, participants are summoned to a secret location where they’re tasked with deciphering cryptic codes, uncovering hidden symbols, navigating shifting alliances and outwit enemies and operatives stationed around the campus.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
