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
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
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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
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However, current flu tests cannot differentiate between them, and clinical treatments are identical for both.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2026
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New York City’s luxury hotel market is remarkably resilient even during economic downturns, but even upscale hotels must compete and differentiate themselves.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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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
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Very common to see in UIL Texas high school basketball playoffs.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 June 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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Videos of climbers waiting in long queues in an area known as the death zone – where the air is too thin to breathe unaided for long – on their way to the summit have once again made headlines, alongside record-breaking ascents from both Nepali and foreign climbers.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
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The way Daniel and Jackie get to know each other feels more authentic than genuine, navigating playful bonding moments as well as their own personal hang-ups.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
Verb
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Golf ball-sized hail was also spotted.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
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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
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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
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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 11 Jun. 2026.
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