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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of discerning
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 July 2025
Selloffs like the one at the beginning of April are broad-based and tend not to be very discerning, as big money investors look to unload exposure — selling first and asking questions later.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
All around the world, bold new lodgings are luring discerning travelers in search of beauty, glamour, and the unexpected.
—Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
Beyond Savings: Why Americans Are Confidently Flying for Their Smiles
For the discerning American patient, the decision to travel for dental implants is increasingly driven by a combination of significant cost savings and the assurance of receiving high-quality care and exceptional service.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 July 2025
Selloffs like the one at the beginning of April are broad-based and tend not to be very discerning, as big money investors look to unload exposure — selling first and asking questions later.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Verb
In the meantime, consumers must do better in discerning the difference.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
All around the world, bold new lodgings are luring discerning travelers in search of beauty, glamour, and the unexpected.
—Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
Documenting positive attributes such as community involvement, steady employment, family support, and other meaningful contributions is also a wise move.—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Only humans can weave meaning, create serendipity, and grow wiser through story.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Leaders need to practice empathy by noticing when silence lingers in a meeting, when a camera remains off, or when fatigue from time zones takes its toll.—
Matthew C. Meade,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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This was created after noticing that some new hires didn’t show up on their start date due to cold feet, second thoughts, or feeling another offer was safer.—
Roula Amire,
Fortune,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Inclement weather has long been the bane of festivals and outdoor tours, and differentiating between climate change and a stretch of bad storms can be tricky.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
6 Sep. 2025
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But iOS 26 goes further, differentiating between unknown senders and spam, including scams.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
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When inquiring about a networking organization, understanding the differences among the most prominent categories could further inform a business owner’s decisions.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
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Romer's endogenous growth theory provides a fascinating lens for understanding AI inference costs by treating knowledge and ideas as non-rivalrous goods with unique economic properties.—
Anjana Susarla,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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But travelers would be prudent to regularly contact Spirit for updates.—
Vinod Sreeharsha,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
-
All of that being said, Los Angeles is a notoriously prudent organization, so the Chargers would surely tread carefully in any potential trade discussions for Jennings.—
Matthew Schmidt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The centerpiece of its design is a cardinal, and living in the South, many of us have watched the trees for these beloved birds as an early sign of spring each year (especially for those in Virginia spotting their state bird).—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
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However, critics see it as rooting for the underdog running amok, spotting an academic Marxist concept used to limit a free society.—
John Scott Lewinski,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Kraft Heinz also had trouble distinguishing its products from cheaper store brands.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Hope to see more distinguishing benefits down the road.—
Chloe Mayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Shades of brown everything is a big color trend for fall, which means knowing how to style brown boots with black has become a necessary skill.—
Abby Morgan Lebet,
Glamour,
5 Sep. 2025
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The city's restaurants, cafés, and bars reflect the diversity of Chicago's neighborhoods, and knowing where to stay is the key to having convenient access to the best spots.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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