DISCRIMINATING Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

discriminating 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈskri-mə-ˌnā-tiŋ

Definition of discriminating

as in discriminatory

favoring, applying, or being unequal treatment of different classes of people accused of discriminating practices in the hiring of employees

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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 discriminating

Adjective

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 Turning Selectivity Into Strategy A range of more discriminating strategies have been explored, including tweaking the shape and timing of electrical pulses and using multi-contact electrodes to maneuver currents in specific directions. — IEEE Spectrum, 4 June 2025

Verb

The Equal Protection Clause, ratified in 1868 after the Civil War, was intended to stop states from discriminating against Black people, many constitutional scholars agree. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 That complaint basically alleges that Amazon violated a local ordinance barring corporations from discriminating against employees on the basis of political orientation, among other things. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for discriminating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discriminating

Adjective

An appeals court ruled this week that the First Amendment’s freedom of speech principle protects the right of academics in Florida to discuss topics in class that some might view as discriminatory or even offensive.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 10 July 2026
The algorithmic discrimination provisions are gone, and there is nothing left in the statute that requires developers to monitor or adjust their outputs for discriminatory patterns.

— Stefani Langehennig, The Conversation, 9 July 2026

Definition of discriminatory

Adjective

Mackenzie writes with the characteristic judgmental sniff of an upper-crust tourist.

— Amelia Soth, JSTOR Daily, 15 July 2026
This could likely be the last World Cup for the 39-year-old superstar Lionel Messi, who is contributing as effectively as ever, with his characteristic walk up and down the field as teammates and defenders around him jog to and fro.

— Becky Sullivan, NPR, 14 July 2026

Definition of characteristic

Adjective

The wine itself is distinctive due to its high percentage of Cabernet Franc (up to 55 percent), and also known for its long aging potential (15 to 50 years, and more for great vintages).

— Lewis Chester, Robb Report, 11 July 2026
After a fire—rumored to have been set by a disgruntled former suitor of one of the Gangotena daughters—badly damaged the mansion, Italian architects rebuilt it in the early 20th century, giving it its distinctive Neoclassical character.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026

Definition of distinctive

Verb

Within the past year or two, Microsoft made this chip distinction the distinguishing trait between consumer and business Surface models.

— Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026
The right to support and elect candidates for political office is a distinguishing feature of democracy.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 2026

Definition of distinguishing

Adjective

Instead of painting a broad picture that included all leading forms of content distribution — movie theaters, broadcast and cable television as well as streaming platforms — the states zeroed in on three distinct slices.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Data, on the other hand, shows a distinct generational divide.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 15 July 2026

Definition of distinct

Adjective

Before the war, a typical day would see around 100 commercial vessels pass through.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
In a break with soccer protocol, the 11-minute set is reportedly due to extend the typical 15 minute half-time break, with a new half-time of up to 30 minutes.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 July 2026

Definition of typical

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“Discriminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discriminating. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of discriminating

adjective

verb

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