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
By the start of this century, however, Nice had fallen out of fashion, both with discerning tourists seeking exclusivity and with younger Europeans, who associated the place with their parents.
—
Sloane Crosley, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Ming Thein’s world of minimalism is characterized by a signature case with flared lugs and a distinctive aesthetic that resonates with discerning collectors.
—Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 14 July 2025
William O’Neil and Company will be studying the coming earnings results and stocks technical reactions to discern if a rotation is indeed occurring in the market.
—Randy Watts, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Garcia often studies interviews of authors before narrating their books, not just to understand their accents or pacing, but to discern their essence.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Sloane Crosley, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Ming Thein’s world of minimalism is characterized by a signature case with flared lugs and a distinctive aesthetic that resonates with discerning collectors.
—Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 14 July 2025
William O’Neil and Company will be studying the coming earnings results and stocks technical reactions to discern if a rotation is indeed occurring in the market.
—Randy Watts, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Garcia often studies interviews of authors before narrating their books, not just to understand their accents or pacing, but to discern their essence.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
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In the 13 years Nick Schweitzer has lived on the west side of Wauwatosa, the property assessment revaluation notice the city mailed him in mid-July 2025 is higher than any he's seen before.—
Bridget Fogarty,
jsonline.com,
29 July 2025
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Trends researchers noticed included the popularity of banh mi and an interest in vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.—
Fielding Buck,
Oc Register,
29 July 2025
Verb
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There, Burns expertly broke down the physical and personality characteristics that differentiate the four animals.—
Grace Tucker,
The Enquirer,
23 July 2025
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That’s what differentiates Tesla from other carmakers: its fans are well known for volunteering their own time, famously helping in earlier years with the end-of-quarter push to deliver cars to new owners.—
Christiaan Hetzner,
Fortune,
22 July 2025
Verb
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State leaders, however, insist the accountability is necessary to understand whether districts are serving students and how schools might be falling short of educating children.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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His attorneys have argued that Brown appears not to be competent for trial and cannot factually understand the capital murder case against him.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Enquirer,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Suspect is Michael Paul Brown and was last seen in the Stumptown area.—
Jenna Sundel
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
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Read on to see what’s in store for your sign this year with your monthly tarot horoscope, Leo.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between militants and civilians and operates under the Hamas government.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Aug. 2025
-
What truly distinguishes Gunn is his commitment to uplifting fellow photographers.—
Jon-Michael Banks,
Kansas City Star,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Crowley, 63, was known as a larger than life figure throughout Kentucky.—
Jolene Almendarez,
The Courier-Journal,
31 July 2025
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Ford’s traditional business operations, known as Ford Blue, earned $661 million in the quarter compared with $1.17 billion in the year-ago quarter.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
Freep.com,
31 July 2025
Verb
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How to spot a stroke The phrase to remember is BE FAST.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
26 July 2025
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For a deeper peek into Sinclair Canyon and a chance to spot bighorn sheep grazing, try the nearby Juniper Loop hike.—
Jenny Wisniewski,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
Verb
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Often when playing against Macdonald’s defense, which is tricky to decipher because of all the post-snap rotations and disguised pressures, the right play is to check it down to a running back or tight end, take 3 or 4 yards and move to the next play.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
27 July 2025
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Obtaining laboratory research experience in Miami impressed on me the power of science to decipher the mechanisms of life and improve human health.—
Seth Tomchik,
Sun Sentinel,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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