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
This can include questioning assumptions, challenging group think, seeking missing context, discerning bias, and reconciling tradeoffs.
—
Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
With exquisite costume and set design, and detailed and discerning creative direction, Black Panther beautifully depicts Black royalty, which is not often highlighted in film and television.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 27 Jan. 2026
For more than 40 years, their expert guides have led discerning travelers into the heart of Africa’s most remote and unspoiled destinations for truly extraordinary experiences.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Investors across the globe are trying to discern how tensions between the United States and Europe might develop.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discern
Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
With exquisite costume and set design, and detailed and discerning creative direction, Black Panther beautifully depicts Black royalty, which is not often highlighted in film and television.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 27 Jan. 2026
For more than 40 years, their expert guides have led discerning travelers into the heart of Africa’s most remote and unspoiled destinations for truly extraordinary experiences.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Investors across the globe are trying to discern how tensions between the United States and Europe might develop.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
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Then Heard noticed a provision in a California law created in 2012 that allows juveniles sentenced to life without parole to petition for resentencing.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
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First responders noticed that the child seemed malnourished and had bruising on his body, police said.—
Clifford Ward,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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These are placed in P6 cell culture dishes and differentiated by an orbital shaker.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
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Younger siblings often play more dangerous sports, research shows, as a way to differentiate themselves.—
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The collar will help scientists understand the movement patterns and reproductive behavior of the Sierra Nevada red fox, providing key insights to guide conservation efforts.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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Those many Americans who still understand that freedom is the magic elixir that drives growth and prosperity are exiting blue states, leaving them to stew in their left-wing, socialist, low-growth and low-opportunity juices.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In one of several photos included in the 3 million new Epstein files, Mountbatten-Windsor is seen kneeling on all fours over an unidentified woman on the ground.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
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During the Super Bowl halftime show, the casita made an appearance again, and this time, the world would see its interior for the first time.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Since launching her Senate run in December, the progressive firebrand has distinguished herself with an unconventional campaign, eschewing traditional advice regarding key tenets of campaigning, such as fundraising and advertising output.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Feb. 2026
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This approach has distinguished thousands of individual types of brain cells, many more than previously known.—
Amber Dance,
Quanta Magazine,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Bass, who was politically weakened by her performance during the fire and its aftermath, was already facing more than two dozen challengers looking to oust her in the June 2 primary — the vast majority little known to the public and not expected to pose any threat.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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One note e-mailed Monday to the KOLD-TV newsroom in Tucson included information that only the abductor would know, anchor Mary Coleman told CNN.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Underground cavities found on Venus Taking a fresh look at radar data collected by Magellan, a team of scientists were able to spot a large underground cavity on Venus created by lava flow.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
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Eventually, the officers spotted Brown and his girlfriend walking away from the section to the main hallway.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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How fans experience the game and how referees decipher controversial calls will only get better as visual AI advances.—
Jason Corso,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
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Health care professionals are now caught between deciphering new legislation and their duty to provide quality care.—
Eleanor Sobel,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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