1
as in notices
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in differentiates
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 understands
to have a clear idea of
we're still trying to discern the meaning of that cryptic remark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of discerns
During a ChatGPT conversation, the AI discerns that the person is on the brink of doing something untoward.
—
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerns
Verb
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Just to make things even messier and more over-plotted, Sylvie notices a light on for five days straight in an upper-floor apartment, reporting to the cops her concern that the old man who lives there might have died.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
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If the bear is sitting at a distance, feeding or walking by and notices you but continues its natural behavior, do not take any action.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Verb
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This curation differentiates eCosmetics as a business leader in the indie beauty movement.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
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What differentiates you from your competition in this race?—
Mark Dee
May 3,
Idaho Statesman,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
Peace returns when everyone understands what is being shared.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
-
The director understands immediately.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Just as the Mayor himself has become a figure who transcends city politics, Richards sees the task ahead as one that will have wider implications.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
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In addition to expanding the denim and T-shirt offerings, Sung sees opportunities to expand footwear and accessories.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Lexington is the epicenter of western North Carolina barbecue (also known as Piedmont style), which distinguishes itself from the other half of the state by adding ketchup to its signature sweet and tangy sauce.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
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Differentiating factors What distinguishes Cohen most from his competitors is his nuanced understanding of state mandates.—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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The backstory Robin Hutson knows hotels.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
Rashad knows that even now, at this late stage in hip-hop’s evolution, rappers are expected to guard their reputations carefully.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
Verb
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As Kamala Harris eyes a possible 2028 presidential bid, there is little outward enthusiasm among her biggest 2024 backers to fund a repeat performance, adding to uncertainty about the former vice president’s prospects in what is sure to be a crowded primary field.—
Justine McDaniel,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
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Microsoft still retains its equity stake in OpenAI’s for-profit company, as that company eyes a possible IPO later this year.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Qualcomm’s chip can run Linux, along with Arduino software, and can even do computer vision, which deciphers what a camera sees and translates it into software.—
Kif Leswing,
CNBC,
7 Oct. 2025
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With that base knowledge and his opponent’s game tape, Nolan analyzes wide receiver alignments and deciphers the offense's attack.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discerns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerns. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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