as in wise
having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge
a discerning critic of modern art
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in noticing
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in differentiating
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 understanding
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 discerning
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Audiences are more discerning than ever due to oversaturation.
—Jenna Guarneri, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Because contemporary phantoms of Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and Rolex are expertly constructed to entice even the most discerning eye, provenance is crucial.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
Savvy Mercury also entered Virgo on Sept. 2, polishing our communication while inspiring a more discerning approach to our exchanges and immediate surroundings.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Audiences are more discerning than ever due to oversaturation.
—Jenna Guarneri, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
And Camila Falquez, whose subjects have included Zendaya and Kamala Harris, shot the Oscar-winning performer Ariana DeBose as the discerning woman with a magnifying glass drawn by Lorenzo Mattotti in 1999.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Because contemporary phantoms of Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and Rolex are expertly constructed to entice even the most discerning eye, provenance is crucial.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
Either by choice or otherwise, Wolves lost seven players who appeared regularly in the first team last season and brought in six new faces, so numbers-wise, there is little difference.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
-
The measure further reduces offshore drilling, but the effort to compensate in a region that is highly dependent on the oil industry was a wise move.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Nutrafol Skin Clear Skin Nutraceutical was born because Nutrafol’s team was hearing from dermatologists that some patients taking Nutrafol’s hair growth supplements were also noticing their acne clear up.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The Times, however, reported that the boat had turned around after noticing a military aircraft following it.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This radar technology, good at detecting small flying objects and differentiating them from fauna, has proven useful in Ukraine's drone war.—
Nate Anderson,
ArsTechnica,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Data will be key to differentiating from competitors, Metrick emphasized.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The resultant program or app is established without any need for understanding computer programming.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Sotomayor told her audience of law students, judges and others that understanding how the government is structured goes hand-in-hand with critical thinking.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This additional layer of lateral thinking is almost never prudent, and usually serves to kill both guardians quicker (and instill a killer headache).—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Cramer said Fed Chair Jerome Powell is prudent, which is a desirable characteristic for those in his position.—
Julie Coleman,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
During the video, Ollie can be seen running around the sandy beach before spotting another dachshund.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Get ready for mountaintop vistas, glass lakes, and roaring waterfalls on the 10 best hikes for spotting fall foliage.—
Stacey Lastoe,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The distinguishing factor lies in offering complete confidence to buyers who expect more than just salesmanship.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The odd one out is the shape with no distinguishing features.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
So far, no travel plans have been made, but several analysts expect Xi to repeat his offer, especially knowing that Trump is always keen to be received with diplomatic fanfare.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The key is knowing when to lean into either.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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