discernment

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun discernment differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of discernment are acumen, discrimination, insight, penetration, and perception. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

When can acumen be used instead of discernment?

While in some cases nearly identical to discernment, acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

In what contexts can discrimination take the place of discernment?

The words discrimination and discernment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

When is insight a more appropriate choice than discernment?

The words insight and discernment can be used in similar contexts, but insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When might penetration be a better fit than discernment?

The meanings of penetration and discernment largely overlap; however, penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

When is it sensible to use perception instead of discernment?

While the synonyms perception and discernment are close in meaning, perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

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 discernment Trust your discernment when this happens. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025 Melissa is a fountain of inspiration and information and this episode covers topics as diverse as how to cultivate discernment in our reading to why memoir is the opposite of self-indulgent. Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025 The Lord is giving me discernment. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025 Friendships offer ideas, but discernment is key. Usa Today, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discernment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discernment
insight
Noun
  • Kleinschmidt’s sessions, with their assistance in permitting him to air these childhood traumas and the interplay of insight and folly in Freudianism, was the stew out of which emerged the novel that made Roth a household name.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
  • These insights are processed using AI algorithms and presented in the companion app, which compiles health scores and daily summaries.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discernment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discernment. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on discernment

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