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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of discerning
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026
Below, find the six fragrance trends set to define 2026, with options for every discerning nose.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
What motivates him, besides the discerning women who exist to spoon-feed him the harsh truths of life?
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
There’s a little something for every discerning scent enthusiast.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026
Below, find the six fragrance trends set to define 2026, with options for every discerning nose.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
InsureandGo set out to put some debate to rest by determining the world’s most authentic destinations for discerning travelers.
—Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
What motivates him, besides the discerning women who exist to spoon-feed him the harsh truths of life?
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
Streaming-wise, Paramount now has the ability to combine Paramount+, HBO Max, and Pluto TV.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Feb. 2026
-
After last fall went so badly off the rails, the wiser play for the Buffs surely would’ve been to wait until this year to re-negotiate — to see what a post-Shedeur/post-Hunter roster looked like.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The staff was excellent, noticing my preference for decaf coffee in the afternoon or asking questions about my daily activities based on previous conversations.—
Leandra Beabout,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Connell, who was born in Oklahoma City in 1974 and has lived in Chicago since 2007, became fascinated with Wilson after noticing similarities between a famous Weston nude and one that Connell had taken of her own wife, Betsy Odom, three-quarters of a century later.—
Lori Waxman,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In fact, my emphasis on feeling good about him off the field, or any of those issues, has to do with me not differentiating him from any of the top players.—
SportsDay Staff,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Younger students learned how produce is grown and practiced differentiating between fruits and vegetables before getting a chance to pick from a variety of items to take home at no cost.—
Del Mar Times,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Her office launched a new transportation program in January, providing free Uber rides for victims and witnesses to get to court; understanding that, for survivors, walking through the courthouse doors can be a barrier on its own.—
Marissa Perlman,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
-
People would start not with a disease target but a cellular process and understanding how those processes affect which diseases.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
While Fincke was attended to and stabilized on the station, NASA determined that bringing him home with his crewmates Cardman, JAXA astronaut and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov was the most prudent action.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Most of the town’s residents, and many visitors, merrily took part, while the more prudent ones enjoyed the show from the safety of their balconies.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Even Wilder was completely engaged, spotting colorful beadwork and laughing as Alvin played.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Coyotes are a familiar presence in the foothills around Pasadena, Altadena and Burbank, where residents have grown accustomed to spotting the animals in streets and on doorstep cameras.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Authorities asked anyone who recognizes the clothing worn by the individual, or who can identify any distinguishing characteristics, including the person’s gait, to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773- 5070 or Crime Solvers of Montgomery County.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Harvard was doing its job of distinguishing me from my parents.—
Lloyd Blankfein,
Vanity Fair,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The challenge is knowing how to find one.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Not knowing the location of the subject of the restraining order can delay that.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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