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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of discerning
Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 10 May 2024
For the discerning adult collector, there’s elegance in its absurdity.
—Nik Miles, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2025
Lara Devgan, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Some dogs will eat anything in front of them, while others are more discerning.
—Amelia Arvesen, Outside Online, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
There are more than 500 coffee options to choose from, so even the most discerning drinkers will be able to enjoy this gift.
—Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 10 May 2024
For the discerning adult collector, there’s elegance in its absurdity.
—Nik Miles, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
Patients and consumers are becoming more discerning, gravitating toward those who deliver consistently superior results.
—Lara Devgan, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Some dogs will eat anything in front of them, while others are more discerning.
—Amelia Arvesen, Outside Online, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
Over the last two seasons, Alexander has missed 20 games due to injury, and adding him into a cornerback room that is already reeling from health issues would not be the wisest decision.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 June 2025
-
Which is wiser: Spending money on more firefighting resources after wildfires break out and absorbing the extraordinary cost of damages, or investing in technologies and training to prevent wildfires from happening in the first place?—
Abhishek Singh,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
Testers say the main differentiating factor between this and other wearables is the sleep information, and especially for women, there is the extra bonus of an accurate cycle tracker.—
Health Editorial Team,
Health,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Leaders must also work against the misunderstanding of these tools both within and outside their organizations—educating stakeholders on what these tools can and cannot do and differentiating them from the chatbots of days gone by.—
Sriram Nagaswamy,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Heat’s Udonis Haslem says amid Kevin Durant speculation: ‘The situation in Miami will work’ ASK IRA: Is a Heat waiting game with Herro, Jovic extensions the prudent approach?—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2025
-
To understand their risk, prudent CISOs will try to find confidential data before their users unknowingly break the system.—
Chris Stegh,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
Verb
-
The military men are more distinct, largely because they’re either played by somewhat familiar faces — including Will Poulter, as Captain Erik, the head of the initial operation — or have distinguishing features, like the mustache on Elliott (Cosmo Jarvis), the head sniper.—
Manohla Dargis,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
-
With that in mind, Singleton emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between privacy and anonymity.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
These statements sound insightful, as if someone is doing deep emotional work.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
-
There’s much talk about unicorns in the dating field in Song’s script, and her film could be called the same — a glossy, good-looking drama veined with humor, introspection and questioning intelligence, driven as much by insightful writing as star charisma.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2025
Verb
-
In particular, health districts and hospitals are seeing more flu and pertussis, known as whooping cough.—
Carolyn Komatsoulis,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Jan. 2025
-
The games have been about playing spoiler in the NFC playoff picture and seeing what on this 2024 roster is transferrable to the future.—
Saad Yousuf,
The Athletic,
5 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Advocates say this could help tackle crime whilst critics have raised concerns about data privacy and about models potentially discriminating against certain groups.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Woodman would have to include the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the people or organizations allegedly discriminating, along with the exact dates of the events.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws regarding pay and leave.—
Tom Spiggle,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
-
Operations in Egypt are only just recovering from a production slump, and uncertainty remains regarding the start of production for its Suriname project.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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