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
By the start of this century, however, Nice had fallen out of fashion, both with discerning tourists seeking exclusivity and with younger Europeans, who associated the place with their parents.
—
Sloane Crosley, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Ming Thein’s world of minimalism is characterized by a signature case with flared lugs and a distinctive aesthetic that resonates with discerning collectors.
—Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 14 July 2025
William O’Neil and Company will be studying the coming earnings results and stocks technical reactions to discern if a rotation is indeed occurring in the market.
—Randy Watts, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Garcia often studies interviews of authors before narrating their books, not just to understand their accents or pacing, but to discern their essence.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Sloane Crosley, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Ming Thein’s world of minimalism is characterized by a signature case with flared lugs and a distinctive aesthetic that resonates with discerning collectors.
—Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 14 July 2025
William O’Neil and Company will be studying the coming earnings results and stocks technical reactions to discern if a rotation is indeed occurring in the market.
—Randy Watts, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Garcia often studies interviews of authors before narrating their books, not just to understand their accents or pacing, but to discern their essence.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
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In Sunday’s victory against the Blue Jays, the Tigers noticed something off with Meadows both on the field and in the bases.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
29 July 2025
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Trends researchers noticed included the popularity of banh mi and an interest in vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.—
Fielding Buck,
Oc Register,
29 July 2025
Verb
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There, Burns expertly broke down the physical and personality characteristics that differentiate the four animals.—
Grace Tucker,
The Enquirer,
23 July 2025
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That’s what differentiates Tesla from other carmakers: its fans are well known for volunteering their own time, famously helping in earlier years with the end-of-quarter push to deliver cars to new owners.—
Christiaan Hetzner,
Fortune,
22 July 2025
Verb
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State leaders, however, insist the accountability is necessary to understand whether districts are serving students and how schools might be falling short of educating children.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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The tax world has always been a fascinating one – a mix of understanding personal needs of the taxpayers while navigating the ever-changing tax code that’s the result of political forces in the local and national economy.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Suspect is Michael Paul Brown and was last seen in the Stumptown area.—
Jenna Sundel
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
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However your man like to see you, present yourself in that way.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Goleman’s work popularized the idea that a high EQ could distinguish great leaders from merely smart ones.—
Ted Ladd,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
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The returning echoes are instantly analyzed by onboard AI to distinguish between debris, rocks, and soft tissue which would likely indicate a human body.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
Verb
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The lawyers did not agree on what should be released since Kiser's legal team argued for the public to know less about the investigation, Kelley said.—
Elena Santa Cruz,
AZCentral.com,
31 July 2025
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August’s full moon is traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, named after the giant lake sturgeon, once abundant in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain.—
Diana Leyva,
The Tennessean,
31 July 2025
Verb
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How to spot a stroke The phrase to remember is BE FAST.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
26 July 2025
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For a deeper peek into Sinclair Canyon and a chance to spot bighorn sheep grazing, try the nearby Juniper Loop hike.—
Jenny Wisniewski,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
Verb
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Often when playing against Macdonald’s defense, which is tricky to decipher because of all the post-snap rotations and disguised pressures, the right play is to check it down to a running back or tight end, take 3 or 4 yards and move to the next play.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
27 July 2025
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Obtaining laboratory research experience in Miami impressed on me the power of science to decipher the mechanisms of life and improve human health.—
Seth Tomchik,
Sun Sentinel,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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