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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of discerning
American-Statesman Staff, Austin American Statesman, 28 July 2025
Leave it to Breville the Smart Scoop to create a high-quality compressor-style ice cream maker for the most discerning home cooks.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2025
Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
Southerners have long been known to have the gift of gab, and that discerning quality has resulted in a rather enthusiastic take on small talk.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
An elevator, gym and infinity pool make this an all-inclusive home that checks all the boxes for even the most discerning buyers in the luxury market.
—American-Statesman Staff, Austin American Statesman, 28 July 2025
Leave it to Breville the Smart Scoop to create a high-quality compressor-style ice cream maker for the most discerning home cooks.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2025
Verb
Limited to just 22 pieces, the price is set at CHF 490,000 (~ $525,000), positioning it among the most exclusive, technically sophisticated timepieces available to discerning collectors today.
—Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
Southerners have long been known to have the gift of gab, and that discerning quality has resulted in a rather enthusiastic take on small talk.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
Either by choice or otherwise, Wolves lost seven players who appeared regularly in the first team last season and brought in six new faces, so numbers-wise, there is little difference.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
-
The measure further reduces offshore drilling, but the effort to compensate in a region that is highly dependent on the oil industry was a wise move.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Nutrafol Skin Clear Skin Nutraceutical was born because Nutrafol’s team was hearing from dermatologists that some patients taking Nutrafol’s hair growth supplements were also noticing their acne clear up.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The Times, however, reported that the boat had turned around after noticing a military aircraft following it.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This radar technology, good at detecting small flying objects and differentiating them from fauna, has proven useful in Ukraine's drone war.—
Nate Anderson,
ArsTechnica,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Data will be key to differentiating from competitors, Metrick emphasized.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The resultant program or app is established without any need for understanding computer programming.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Sotomayor told her audience of law students, judges and others that understanding how the government is structured goes hand-in-hand with critical thinking.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Some decisions are prudent, such as the Las Vegas Raiders to defeat the New England Patriots at a nice underdog price.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Sep. 2025
-
These nations have lowered taxes, reduced the size of the state and generally been fiscally prudent with sustainable debt/GDP levels – and their growth rates reflect these prudent decisions.—
Alden Abbott,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Fire will mainly creep and smolder, and spotting potential will be reduced by higher relative humidity.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Colorado potato beetles on your potatoes, a defoliated tomato branch (likely due to tomato hornworms), or some spotting on your zinnias are all easily visible.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The distinguishing factor lies in offering complete confidence to buyers who expect more than just salesmanship.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The odd one out is the shape with no distinguishing features.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Perhaps, though, Kubrick's cold view of Jack and choice to diminish some of King's sympathetic nuances serve to heighten the terror; how much does knowing the complex motivations of a domestic abuser help their victims?—
James Grebey,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Participants’ weight, waist size, and body mass index (BMI) were tracked, along with their performance on tests of memory, orientation (for example, knowing the date and who the president is), and executive function (such as drawing a clock face).—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share