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
Minty Mellon, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2026
Miller and Homan have not always appeared to be on the same page: Whereas Miller has pushed for maximizing the number of arrests and deportations, Homan’s statements have emphasized a more discerning approach focused on criminals.
—Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
But discerning who’s the best fit for the costly, lifelong treatment has been uncertain.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
For the industry’s top stylists, the standard is even higher: a bag must withstand long days on set, countless flights, and still speak to a discerning point of view.
—Minty Mellon, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2026
Miller and Homan have not always appeared to be on the same page: Whereas Miller has pushed for maximizing the number of arrests and deportations, Homan’s statements have emphasized a more discerning approach focused on criminals.
—Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
New Collector Currencies With a more sophisticated and diverse consumer base that is discerning in its spending, a new trifecta for competitive advantage has emerged.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
But discerning who’s the best fit for the costly, lifelong treatment has been uncertain.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
Virgos are patient, kind, and wise like Sundown.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
-
The two candidates who advance to the general election would be wise to offer Californians a hope for the future that doesn’t call back to our yesterdays.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
In practice, this means noticing the moment that your brain begins replaying an embarrassing scene and deliberately refusing to elaborate on it further.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2026
-
How the Slurpee became an American staple The Slurpee traces its roots back to the 1960s, when businessman Omar Knedlik developed a machine that partially froze soft drinks after noticing customers enjoyed semi-frozen sodas at his Dairy Queen franchise in Kansas.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
That is a differentiating point.—
K.H. Koehler,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
-
Their ontology layer may be the most differentiating feature of this solution.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Maybe a computer was a new tool for understanding poetry.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
The week-long experience focuses on strength training to increase muscle mass; the importance of nutrition (especially protein); and understanding the long-term effects and impacts of weight loss medications.—
Judy Koutsky,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Still, Barnard predicts many European leaders would likely remain prudent given the current turmoil in Westminster.—
Tiago Ventura,
Time,
18 May 2026
-
What feels like prudent focus often becomes dangerous overconfidence.—
Thierry Brunel,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Drones are hard to pinpoint on radar systems calibrated for spotting high-speed missiles and can be mistaken for birds or planes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 May 2026
-
Since the 1960s, this trove of demographic data has been instrumental in spotting patterns of discrimination and supporting civil rights investigations in the workplace.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
The group blamed both the army and RSF and said some drones use visual monitoring technology capable of distinguishing targets, raising concerns that the attacks may not have been indiscriminate.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 May 2026
-
Even Realities has launched its Even G2 smart glasses, distinguishing themselves from competitors like Meta by being deliberately camera- and speaker-free.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Marcus tries to balance pushing Nick to keep playing while knowing his older brother has to do what’s best for him and his family.—
Joe Smith,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
Just worth knowing that the toilet facilities are going to be challenging to some.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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