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
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
8 May 2026
But oftentimes, most new offerings aren’t really that different or meaningful to all but the most discerning fan.
—
Cyrus Farivar,
ArsTechnica,
22 Apr. 2026
Claudia Fisher,
Parents,
24 June 2026
Analysts made their careers on discerning the Fed’s decisions by studying buying and selling in the bond market.
—
Barbara Hagenbaugh,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
For true interior aficionados, Design Within Reach’s area rug inventory caters to the most discerning design shoppers.
—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
8 May 2026
But oftentimes, most new offerings aren’t really that different or meaningful to all but the most discerning fan.
—
Cyrus Farivar,
ArsTechnica,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
Secondly, many discerning skincare enthusiasts compare the product’s ingredients to the much pricier La Mer moisturizer.
—
Claudia Fisher,
Parents,
24 June 2026
Analysts made their careers on discerning the Fed’s decisions by studying buying and selling in the bond market.
—
Barbara Hagenbaugh,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
Historically, the spring editions of the Paris men’s trade shows have been less significant business-wise than shows for fall collections, but that is shifting.
-
Still, there are moments when stepping back is the wiser act of stewardship, for both the owner and the business.
Verb
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That matters because adults wait an average of nine years after first noticing hearing loss before treating it.
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Research has increasingly pointed to app designs built for engagement and addiction rather than actual matchmaking, and users are noticing.
Verb
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Many people view heat as an annual summer nuisance but have no reference for differentiating dangerous extreme events.
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There will be no differentiating paragraphs for the Spurs fans.
Verb
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Those worries make sense, and understanding how bird flu spreads and what to watch for is the best way to protect your flock and yourself.
-
Why The Old Approach No Longer Works The old playbook assumed that cultural knowledge was scarce, international interactions were occasional, and understanding national norms was the primary challenge.
Adjective
-
Not only did the Sabres not have the cap room for either one of those deals, but neither one would have been prudent with Buffalo’s long-term vision in mind.
-
Josh Hawley of Florida and Brian Kemp of Georgia, a little distance might prove prudent.
Verb
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FireSat will help incident commanders get better information more quickly, and, unlike fire-spotting aircraft, the satellites can linger over a fire for days or weeks and aren’t hampered by high winds or smoke.
-
Tuxedo cats have a black and white patterned coat, which is caused by a piebald or white-spotting gene.
Verb
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The region’s altitude and cold nights help preserve acidity and aromatics in the wines, distinguishing Amyndeon from Greece’s warmer coastal and island appellations.
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The motion detection is smart, too, distinguishing among people, pets, and vehicles, which reduces false alerts.
Verb
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Marketing has always required senior-level judgment and knowing which levers to pull, why and when.
-
This reportedly includes not giving guests many details about the wedding, with people invited instructed to arrive in New York, without knowing when and where the wedding will be.
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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