discriminating 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈskri-mə-ˌnā-tiŋ How to pronounce discriminating (audio)
Definition of discriminatingnext
1
as in discriminatory
favoring, applying, or being unequal treatment of different classes of people accused of discriminating practices in the hiring of employees

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2
as in characteristic
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group a discriminating feature of poison ivy is a compound leaf with three mitten-shaped leaflets

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discriminating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of discriminate
as in differentiating
to understand or point out the difference in the human eye can discriminate between very slight gradations of color

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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 discriminating
Adjective
Special effects were progressing with varying results, but intelligent storytelling was leading the charge as viewers became more discriminating. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2025 Insurers, alerted to the problem and granted permission to respond, grew more discriminating in their underwriting and more probing in their investigations. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
The data from the brain reading classifier the team used for discriminating among meditation, rest, the movie, and the music tracked with the size of that shift. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 Oct. 2026 Balochistan has endured a long-running insurgency by groups that accuse Pakistan of discriminating against the province and exploiting its natural resources. — Munir Ahmed, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discriminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discriminating
  1. discriminatory
  2. characteristic
  3. differentiating
  4. unfair
  5. distinctive
  6. distinguishing
  7. distinct
  8. typical
Adjective
  • Siding with the petitioners, the court ruled that Maryland’s digital ads-only tax violated the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act, which prohibits discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce.
    — David A. Hughes, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Alderman Napolitano strongly condemns this type of discriminatory vandalism.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of discriminatory
Adjective
  • Pritam never forgot the remark and, with characteristic wit, turned it into the title of her autobiography.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The former contributes a subtle wheat flavor along with a little Neapolitan-style chew, while the latter lends the crust its characteristic crunch.
    — Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of characteristic
Verb
  • Stewart continued to embrace a broad range of stage and screen roles throughout his career, never differentiating between the ideas of high art and mass entertainment.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2026
  • There are different bumps and divots in the bone to take in, small details differentiating each one from the next.
    — Daniel Barnum, Longreads, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of differentiating
Adjective
  • The lawsuit seeks a court declaration recognizing Taylor’s copyright ownership, a share of the profits generated by the allegedly infringing songs, and damages for alleged fraud, false imprisonment, and unfair business practices.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The board plans a day-long impasse hearing after abruptly postponing that meeting last month for fear the union would file an unfair labor practices lawsuit.
    — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of unfair
Adjective
  • Its distinctive white berries can persist into winter, providing food for several bird species.
    — Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 14 Nov. 2026
  • Despite its futuristic design and potent powertrain, the two-door’s most distinctive feature is an unorthodox head-forward seating position that takes inspiration from the world of motorcycles.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Nov. 2026
Definition of distinctive
Verb
  • Mondragón points to Canelo distinguishing Ryan Garcia as Mexican American, rather than Mexican.
    — Francisco Aviles Pino, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The photo’s proliferation speaks to the growing impossibility of distinguishing real from fake as AI tools — like the ones Nvidia’s chips power — further permeate our personal algorithms.
    — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of distinguishing
Adjective
  • That lack of definition extends to the sound of the record, which transforms hyperactively from track to track, echoing the sounds of many other artists without ever quite establishing a distinct profile.
    — Aimee Cliff, Pitchfork, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Filmed in and around guests’ bathrooms, the series features creatives with distinct points of view who have built something of their own, reflecting Jolie’s ties to fashion, design, art, and culture.
    — Karin Eldor, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of distinct
Adjective
  • The first Taibaan film raised THB2 million ($59,000), or THB4 million ($119,000) including marketing, and grossed THB35 million ($1 million), in a market where a typical Thai feature costs THB30 million ($891,000) or more.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Vagabond Haven The interior measures 59 sq m (635 sq ft), spread over two floors, offering significantly more room to move around in than a typical towable tiny house.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of typical

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Cite this Entry

“Discriminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discriminating. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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