1
as in to notice
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 to differentiate
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 to understand
to have a clear idea of
we're still trying to discern the meaning of that cryptic remark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discern
New Collector Currencies With a more sophisticated and diverse consumer base that is discerning in its spending, a new trifecta for competitive advantage has emerged.
—
Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
The findings may allow researchers to better understand the extreme conditions of the comet’s planetary system — and even discern what the Milky Way galaxy was like long before our solar system appeared.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
But discerning who’s the best fit for the costly, lifelong treatment has been uncertain.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 30 Apr. 2026
Economists and other observers will be looking to Powell and other Fed voters to discern when the war’s toll on inflation will spill over from gas and oil to other sectors, and whether the impact on inflation will be temporary or more enduring.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discern
Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
The findings may allow researchers to better understand the extreme conditions of the comet’s planetary system — and even discern what the Milky Way galaxy was like long before our solar system appeared.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
But discerning who’s the best fit for the costly, lifelong treatment has been uncertain.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 30 Apr. 2026
Economists and other observers will be looking to Powell and other Fed voters to discern when the war’s toll on inflation will spill over from gas and oil to other sectors, and whether the impact on inflation will be temporary or more enduring.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
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In an inversion of the more common critical reception of an emerging artist, this new writer’s poetry was often noticed but seldom admired, notwithstanding the Daily Mirror’s snide enthusiasm.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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The biggest change many Coloradans will notice is the temperature.—
Callie Zanandrie,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
Verb
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That feature may help differentiate it from some competitors in the category, including brands that market themselves as premium but quietly source from overseas.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
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Given the artistry, the texture has intentional crumpling, something that differentiates it from the rest.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Constant said families should be able to look several years ahead and understand whether their children are likely to have transfer opportunities available.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
19 May 2026
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Van de Peer and his colleagues wanted to understand what accounts for the abundance of modern polyploidy and the seeming relative scarcity of it long ago.—
Ari Daniel,
NPR,
19 May 2026
Verb
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The backstory South America’s largest city sprawls as far as the eye can see with towers and highways, which explains how this part of town (not the most central) has become a hub for meetings.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
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But drivers wouldn’t immediately see that full amount shaved off their bills under a suspension.—
Wyatte Grantham-Philips,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Verb
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But his team distinguished themselves through superior organisation with and without the ball, exploiting space to play to the specific strengths of their personnel.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
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That framework, Yeon says, distinguishes Korean commercial cinema from other markets.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Did either network know Krakowski was double dipping?—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
15 May 2026
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Sark knows the Texas football team isn't there for academics, or at least, the starters.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Soon, survey crews showed up, bulldozers were spotted along dusty roads, and the Army Corps of Engineers arranged private meetings.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
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Neapolitan pizza is characterized by a round, soft dough with a very thin center and a high, airy crust spotted with bits of char.—
Lauren Schuster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 May 2026
Verb
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In corporate news, luxury conglomerate and industry bellwether LVMH reported quarterly sales that missed expectations on Monday as the sector begins to decipher the fallout from the war in the Middle East and its impact on stocks.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2026
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The researchers then deciphered certain traits that were linked to the habit.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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