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
Brad Spurgeon, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2026
Other groups hold a more discerning view of the nation’s economic prosperity.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 30 Apr. 2026
And Cunningham was equally discerning with his play.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
Visually, to the more discerning fans, the new cars are smaller, lighter, and more agile.
—Brad Spurgeon, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2026
Other groups hold a more discerning view of the nation’s economic prosperity.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
But discerning who’s the best fit for the costly, lifelong treatment has been uncertain.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 30 Apr. 2026
And Cunningham was equally discerning with his play.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
Note that these and many other pro-worker policies would be wise with or without AI.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
-
Temperature-wise, highs will only reach the mid 60s.—
Matthew Villafane,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Regular practice is key to noticing benefits.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
9 May 2026
-
At the same time, your confidence grows and people are noticing.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
While the uses and gratifications model is basically an individual (or user)-centered model, MSD theory, first developed by Sandra Ball-Rokeach and Melvin DeFleur in 1976, goes further in differentiating the microlevels of interaction in relation to audiences and social groups.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 May 2026
-
The biggest differentiating factor was the use of an agent harness, a piece of code that wraps around an LLM to guide it through a series of specific tasks.—
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Since Ganymede likely hides a vast ocean beneath its ice shell, understanding how its magnetic field survives could offer clues about potentially habitable environments elsewhere in the solar system.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
10 May 2026
-
Because your husband is having trouble understanding that being alone in the house for extended periods isn’t good for your mental health (or physical health for that matter), perhaps your doctor can explain it to him.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
This will require implementing policies that support prudent spending, rather than undermining it.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
-
Some pilots say that — once again — waiting, and keeping both engines running, might have been the most prudent move.—
James Glanz,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Brianna, spotting her former boyfriend, Duncan (Ben Marshall), attempted to brush off the awkward encounter.—
Paula Mejía,
The Atlantic,
3 May 2026
-
Scott recalled sitting in the waiting room and spotting a producer from the earlier film nearby, prompting him to try to avoid being recognized.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
The challenge is distinguishing imbalances rooted in fundamentals from those created by policy distortions.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
-
Barrière’s distinguishing factor is its marketing, according to Davis-Urman, who has a background in fashion.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Raman and Pratt are right in deeming Bass the old guard of a beat-up city — but the old guard didn’t get there without knowing how to win.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
-
Instead, Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division did little to confront the problem despite knowing about it for years, an investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Associated Press and FRONTLINE (PBS) has found.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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