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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of discerning
Outside, 12 Feb. 2026
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
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
This marketing quote targets elite, discerning buyers by comparing the extreme diamond studded artistry of the Graff Diamonds Hallucination, with the horological technical engineering mastery of the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime.
—Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
Not only do these products feature double-digit discounts, but they’ve also been given two thumbs up by our discerning gear team.
—Outside, 12 Feb. 2026
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
Verb
Nicole Hollis has designed rarified sanctuaries for a discerning clientele around the world, creating statement-making spaces rife with collectible design and artwork.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
This marketing quote targets elite, discerning buyers by comparing the extreme diamond studded artistry of the Graff Diamonds Hallucination, with the horological technical engineering mastery of the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime.
—Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
Diaz-Balart of Miami is among the Republicans now doubting redistricting is wise.—
Jeffrey Schweers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
-
David Schulte had helped other cities remove terrain and encourage water-wise sod installations, like a Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass blend.—
Gabriela Vidal,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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,
11 Apr. 2026
-
For someone noticing early volume loss or fine lines, that endorsement from a Mayo Clinic dermatologist carries real weight.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Anonymity will continue to be Reddit’s differentiating factor.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Or, at least, differentiating that the sandwiches Wawa and other convenience stores and delis in the area sell are in fact called hoagies.—
Kaitlyn McCormick,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In the end, the deepest release isn’t about getting a medical tag, but rather about understanding why those unrelenting obstacles continued to exist.—
Lucy Jones
April 11,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
-
That design, which is unlike anything else in the economy, makes the gas-price sign a kind of key to understanding American life.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Extra points Eric Musselman will need to be more prudent in the transfer portal.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Congress enacted a good-faith and largely prudent updating of Social Security.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
An allergist shared tips on spotting the difference and reducing exposure during peak pollen weeks.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2026
-
These color changes can help scientists understand the composition of minerals on the surface, according to NASA, because while there is plenty of satellite imagery of the moon, the human eye is better at spotting the changes of color.—
Brendan Byrne,
NPR,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For example, they might be classified by the number of rulers, thus distinguishing government by one (as in a monarchy or a tyranny) from government by the few (in an aristocracy or oligarchy) and from government by the many (as in a democracy).—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Defenders can have a hard time distinguishing an intruder from a normal administrator in a busy environment, especially when the intruder is deliberately trying to make their actions look like ordinary activity.—
William Akoto,
The Conversation,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In these cases, knowing which funds are legally protected and exploring debt relief options early are your best defenses.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
All this is happening with uncertainty about a possible MLB lockout when the current collective bargaining agreement runs out and not knowing what changes might happen to the draft.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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