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
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Recent Examples of discerning
Minty Mellon, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2026
Miller and Homan have not always appeared to be on the same page: Whereas Miller has pushed for maximizing the number of arrests and deportations, Homan’s statements have emphasized a more discerning approach focused on criminals.
—Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 June 2026
The odds of discerning that someone potentially has a rare mental health condition can be extremely difficult.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
For the industry’s top stylists, the standard is even higher: a bag must withstand long days on set, countless flights, and still speak to a discerning point of view.
—Minty Mellon, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2026
Miller and Homan have not always appeared to be on the same page: Whereas Miller has pushed for maximizing the number of arrests and deportations, Homan’s statements have emphasized a more discerning approach focused on criminals.
—Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
From her first cymbal crash, the German powerhouse, 43, received a roar of approval from discerning fans.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 June 2026
The odds of discerning that someone potentially has a rare mental health condition can be extremely difficult.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
Getting a handle on almost seven decades' worth of clutter is a wise move.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
-
Wouldn't that be too difficult scheduling-wise?—
Ilana Kaplan,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Now, more people are noticing and appreciating it.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
13 June 2026
-
Cycle syncing is most useful as a framework for noticing your own patterns rather than a strict rulebook.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
There will be no differentiating paragraphs for the Spurs fans.—
David Troy OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
-
In the 1970s and 1980s, as violent fan hooliganism spread in England, Nevin says Scotland fans tacked the other way, differentiating themselves by being nice, making friends with everyone — and throwing a good party.—
Lauren Frayer,
NPR,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
One useful lens for understanding this landscape divides entities into five main groups based on their primary orientation toward creating value.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
Much of the discussion tied back to the importance of giving Afghan immigrants the opportunity to become functioning members of their communities by getting jobs, creating businesses, becoming educated, learning English and understanding the country’s culture.—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
Perhaps the radical thought of a black woman as president made this approach seem prudent.—
Ta-Nehisi Coates,
Vanity Fair,
15 June 2026
-
Would taking his advice be prudent or practical?—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
The sector is increasingly turning to the defense industry, spotting an opportunity to collaborate and capitalize upon the continent's rise in military spending.—
Joseph Wilkins,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
-
The waters here are considered some of the best for sailing and tarpon fishing, and there's a good chance of spotting dolphins and sea turtles.—
Ana Pelayo Connery,
Travel + Leisure,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Behind the scenes, Spatial Hearing AI listens to the 3D acoustic environment and maps the soundscape, isolating each source and distinguishing between multiple speakers, so that devices can respond adaptively, guided by the context of their surroundings.—
Scott Kramer,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
The original combat variant, which the company is already producing, will now carry the designation CA-1KA (Kinetic Attack), distinguishing it from the new electronic warfare model.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
While there are lash-growth serums, lengthening mascaras, and even professional lash extensions, knowing when and how to use each of these methods is what will actually make a difference.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
17 June 2026
-
In the face of not knowing what AI will mean or become, our storytelling mind has jumped in to create answers where there are only questions, known in what is unknown.—
Nancy Colier,
Baltimore Sun,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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