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
Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2026
More Magnificent Seven earnings are coming next week, helping to decide the direction of a stock market that's becoming more discerning, while the latest data on the labor market will cast light on the state of the economy.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026
The rooms The elegant and spacious guest rooms and suites, starting at a generous 56 square meters, blend comfort and luxury for discerning global travelers.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
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
More Magnificent Seven earnings are coming next week, helping to decide the direction of a stock market that's becoming more discerning, while the latest data on the labor market will cast light on the state of the economy.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
Annapurna specialized in midbudget dramas from notable directors made for discerning adult audiences.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026
The rooms The elegant and spacious guest rooms and suites, starting at a generous 56 square meters, blend comfort and luxury for discerning global travelers.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
No shade, but the trailers for ‘The Odyssey’ don’t look very promising to me, just aesthetic wise.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
21 Mar. 2026
-
If guilt pops up around spending, remember compassion guides wise choices.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Jessi D'Ambrosi, who owns the deli and grew up outside Boston, opened the shop after relocating to the Cotswolds and noticing a growing American presence, news agency SWNS reported.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Hotel staff called police after noticing a group of men acting suspiciously.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 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
-
Tyler Underwood said Stojaković has embraced the role change, understanding that the majority of a game is about what a player does without the ball in his hands.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
-
For the vast majority of women, however, the solution lies in understanding how modern bras are designed to support the body and recalibrating fit accordingly.—
Malana VanTyler
March 20,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
While no city or county government is perfect, the reality is that local governments are the closest to the people and often, the most responsive and fiscally prudent.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
-
After seeing what happened to Timothée Chalamet over the past two weeks, OBAA’s strategy of tamping down on any off-the-cuff remarks that could have set off a political firestorm suddenly looks a lot more prudent.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In children, spotting AKI early is even harder.—
Jyoti Madhusoodanan,
Scientific American,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Seeing even one oarfish near shore is rare, the description noted, and spotting two in the same place is highly unusual.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But other bolt-holes stand out for giving the beds themselves extra attention, distinguishing them in some particularly charming or even surreal way (see beds carved out of literal ice).—
Kathryn Romeyn,
Architectural Digest,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Every building has distinguishing characteristics.—
Allen Buchanan,
Oc Register,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Our hearts are with his family, former players, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
-
The result can be a level of confidence that allows creators to navigate crowded venues or lean over balconies for the perfect shot, knowing the device remains protected.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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