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

This specific layout filters out background protons and electrons while mapping the exact direction of incoming neutrons, thereby differentiating between normal atmospheric radiation and a hidden nuclear weapon.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026
Multiple margaritas make the menu, and Sharp differentiates them with fresh watermelon juice in one and hibiscus in another.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 8 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

The stadium has been packed, the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival downtown has seen record attendance, and watch parties and other events have spread across the region.

— Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
The pair even goes on a quasi-date playing beer pong this week with Kendall and Shai, who can see right through Liam’s act.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026

Definition of see

Verb

Of course, in the new museum facility, our program will evolve, building on what distinguishes our offerings.

— Leslie Anderson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2026
Large language models are inherently unable to distinguish between legitimate instructions provided by users and malicious ones sneaked into emails, source code, and other third-party content the models are processing.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 8 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

In 2023, the Vesuvius Challenge made its first award for deciphering the first letters, and the following year, the project awarded the grand prize of $700,000 for producing the first readable text.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026
On Thursday, the University of Kentucky announced a new $1 million prize to anyone able to decipher a complete scroll, a feat the researchers once considered impossible, by June next year.

— Claudio Lavanga, NBC news, 26 June 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 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of discern

verb

Example Sentences

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