as in distinction
the state of being kept distinct in her mind there did not exist a discrimination between the imaginary and the real

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun discrimination differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of discrimination are acumen, discernment, insight, penetration, and perception. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," 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

Where would acumen be a reasonable alternative to discrimination?

The words acumen and discrimination can be used in similar contexts, but acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

When is discernment a more appropriate choice than discrimination?

Although the words discernment and discrimination have much in common, discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

When might insight be a better fit than discrimination?

While in some cases nearly identical to discrimination, insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When would penetration be a good substitute for discrimination?

The meanings of penetration and discrimination 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 could perception be used to replace discrimination?

The words perception and discrimination are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 discrimination People of color in predominantly white neighborhoods face discrimination. Detris Honora Adelabu, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2025 The justices have repeatedly endorsed claims of religious discrimination in recent years. Mark Sherman, Baltimore Sun, 22 Apr. 2025 In January, the university settled two lawsuits alleging anti-Jewish and anti-Israel discrimination. Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025 However, the justices said a biological interpretation does not remove protection against discrimination from trans people. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discrimination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discrimination
Noun
  • Technical Architecture Supports Continuous Improvement The distinction between NeMo and Nvidia’s Inference Microservices, branded as NIMs, lies in their complementary functions.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Even for the big names, the distinction between the pure and the pragmatic holds fast.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • On the track, Rae sings about escaping into music to get away from life’s troubles, including her parents’ separation.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Creating modular architectures through the adoption of microservices or containers facilitates the separation of functionalities into independent components, each with its own life cycle.
    Manuel Sanchez, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discrimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discrimination. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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