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 Neill’s performance beautifully tracks the arc of the film, as Trent’s vague sense of dread gives way to mounting paranoia and eventually madness, exacerbated by his growing inability to discern reality from fiction. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026 Because movies like both Rise and this new one are what make discerning horror fanatics cynical and ruin a franchise’s good name. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2026 Nancy Guthrie, Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie’s mom, disappeared over five months ago, and to this day, police still haven’t been able to discern what happened to her. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026 For a discerning audience seeking depth over dazzle, these debut offerings mark not just a launch but the beginning of a new chapter in wearable wanderlust. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for discern

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern

Verb

In 2023, after a park visitor noticed a broken Fury 325 support beam, the coaster closed for six weeks that summer.

— Catherine Muccigrosso July 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026
The radiologist notices a small spot on the lung unrelated to the original reason for the exam and appropriately recommends follow-up.

— Demetri Giannikopoulos, Forbes.com, 17 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 with consideration of any new medication, understanding implications, both good and bad, short-term and long-term, need to be fully discussed with any patient and treating physician.

— Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
It’s been understood for years that America’s adversaries and allies alike take a keen interest in how this country practices an imperfect democracy.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 17 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

Another gripe for many is the American accents uniformly applied to these characters from Greek mythology when everyone knows that all the glorious empires of Hollywood speak exclusively in British accents.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
On the opposite side of the ball, he could be heard barking orders out during pick-and-roll situations, loudly letting teammates know where the ball-handler was headed.

— Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

Definition of know

Verb

Larry the Cat, who has lived at 10 Downing Street for the last 15 years, has been spotted relaxing this morning, seemingly unfazed by all the media gathered outside.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Skid marks showing that Medina slammed on his brakes and rapidly accelerated backward were also spotted.

— Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 19 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of discern

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on discern

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

raffish

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes