as in wise
having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge
a discerning critic of modern art
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in noticing
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in differentiating
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 understanding
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 discerning
Outside, 12 Feb. 2026
The costs, the drama, the precision, all of it needs to be at an even higher expression than usual, and that’s precisely why the most discerning luxury brands are so keen to align themselves with Snow Polo—Robb Report was a media partner.
—Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2026
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
This marketing quote targets elite, discerning buyers by comparing the extreme diamond studded artistry of the Graff Diamonds Hallucination, with the horological technical engineering mastery of the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime.
—Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
Not only do these products feature double-digit discounts, but they’ve also been given two thumbs up by our discerning gear team.
—Outside, 12 Feb. 2026
The costs, the drama, the precision, all of it needs to be at an even higher expression than usual, and that’s precisely why the most discerning luxury brands are so keen to align themselves with Snow Polo—Robb Report was a media partner.
—Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
Nicole Hollis has designed rarified sanctuaries for a discerning clientele around the world, creating statement-making spaces rife with collectible design and artwork.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
This marketing quote targets elite, discerning buyers by comparing the extreme diamond studded artistry of the Graff Diamonds Hallucination, with the horological technical engineering mastery of the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime.
—Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
Diaz-Balart of Miami is among the Republicans now doubting redistricting is wise.—
Jeffrey Schweers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
-
David Schulte had helped other cities remove terrain and encourage water-wise sod installations, like a Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass blend.—
Gabriela Vidal,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After noticing a problem, keepers separated the mother from her newborn, who weighed just 443 grams (less than a pound) and required immediate placement in an incubator at CIMBA to stabilize his temperature and safeguard his health, Reynoso Ruiz said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The days of people noticing pregnant women on the subway are largely over.—
The Editors,
Curbed,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
According to Deezer, its users have a hard time differentiating AI tunes from the real deal.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Los Angeles County leaders, meanwhile, have grappled with differentiating the two and regulating the products that come in the form of powder, capsules and drinks and have been linked to six county deaths.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Government officials weren’t the only people interested in understanding Japanese Americans.—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
This is not about rushing to share, but about understanding what’s true for you first.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But even if monetization doesn’t ultimately come to fruition, the tech YouTube created to identify deepfakes on its platform is necessary, prudent and, as multiple sources stressed, incredibly important to an industry in the midst of technological disruption.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The potential option to acquire an existing building may warrant further analysis to ensure the city is making the most financially prudent decision over the long term.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Imagine strolling through Newark Liberty International Airport and spotting puppies at every turn — baggage claim, security checkpoints, boarding gates.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Apr. 2026
-
This sky cam from Embleton offers a wide field of view ideal for spotting meteors streaking across large sections of sky.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In discussions of people like Michael Jackson, some defenders insist on distinguishing between the artist and the art, but a bio-pic is necessarily about both.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The piece contends that mainstream news outlets maintain legitimate standards requiring verification of allegations before publication, distinguishing serious journalism from gossip trafficking by political rivals.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Guardiola used a four-man ‘non-press’, where City’s forwards formed a line and waited for their opponents to find a pass, knowing that Arsenal’s centre-backs — and cup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga — had a comparatively limited passing range.—
Sam Lee,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Every now and again, Monica, as much savvy therapist as all-knowing seer, interrupts Jean’s first-person account to offer guidance.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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