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
Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 1 Dec. 2025
Freedom of expression is our right as citizens, but our professional commitment in healthcare calls us to a more discerning standard to not inflict pain, wittingly or unwittingly.
—Dr. Jacqueline A. Hart, Boston Herald, 22 Nov. 2025
Jem Aswad, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026
With exquisite costume and set design, and detailed and discerning creative direction, Black Panther beautifully depicts Black royalty, which is not often highlighted in film and television.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
Duggal has been focused on that fiduciary responsibility as LPs have become more discerning about ensuring managers are returning capital.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 1 Dec. 2025
Freedom of expression is our right as citizens, but our professional commitment in healthcare calls us to a more discerning standard to not inflict pain, wittingly or unwittingly.
—Dr. Jacqueline A. Hart, Boston Herald, 22 Nov. 2025
Verb
Be discerning, yes, have standards, absolutely.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026
With exquisite costume and set design, and detailed and discerning creative direction, Black Panther beautifully depicts Black royalty, which is not often highlighted in film and television.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
Our colleague Jason Zengerle knew him as a young wise-guy reporter who leaned, maybe, center right.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Numbers-wise, Deadline reported earlier that the ceremony will include 3,500 athletes and more than 1,300 performers, feature 182 original designs, more than 1,400 costumes and 1,500 pairs of shoes, with 110 make-up artists and 70 hair stylists working behind the scenes.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The difference between counting down the minutes and barely noticing the time often comes down to what’s in your carry-on.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Driving west on Lake Street in Minneapolis, Emily Phillips abruptly stopped talking mid-sentence, noticing a pickup truck with heavily tinted windows.—
Conor Wight,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Large and boutique operators alike are differentiating themselves through modern design, personalization, and luxe amenities aimed at an increasingly discerning clientele.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Johnson shares the goal of differentiating local police from federal agents and said Police Chief Jeffrey Norman agrees with him.—
Hope Karnopp,
jsonline.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Through outreach campaigns, reminders, and accessible digital resources, Pet Parent encourages informed ownership practices such as keeping contact information current and understanding local care requirements.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
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But understanding how this works — who pays and how, who benefits and how — can help with decision-making.—
Liz Weston,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This time, the Chicago Bulls felt it prudent Saturday night to hold out Josh Giddey, Coby White, Nikola Vucevic and Jalen Smith among others.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Feb. 2026
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The prudent move is likely a quiet deadline or maybe a cheap depth upgrade.—
The Athletic NHL Staff,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This – along with memorizing their individual preferences and an eye for spotting the next big thing in fashion – has cemented her name in a highly competitive industry.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
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Located just off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is the country’s third-largest island, with diverse, wide-open landscapes and incredible wildlife spotting opportunities.—
Elizabeth Rhodes,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Protective planning as a long-term discipline Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of future-proof asset protection is timing.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
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Season 2 explores where this chaos comes from, and the difficulty in distinguishing the sheriff from the outlaw.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Couples should feel confident asserting their expectations, knowing the photographer will be their sole source of images from the ceremony.—
Nikita Khanna,
Vogue,
5 Feb. 2026
-
And just knowing if that is this team, we are built for the playoffs.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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