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
Jillian Dara, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Further south, in Poughkeepsie, Dank by Definition is redefining New York cannabis with its boutique, high-quality flower for the discerning local.
—Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2025
Tracy Brower, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, The Break treats discerning 11- to 15-year-olds to their own hangout spot and amenities, including a virtual reality gaming system, recording booth, retro soda machine, and candy wall.
—Gina Kramer, USA TODAY, 28 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
Guests are becoming more discerning and adventurous in their tastes, looking for more than just classic offerings.
—Jillian Dara, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Further south, in Poughkeepsie, Dank by Definition is redefining New York cannabis with its boutique, high-quality flower for the discerning local.
—Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
For phone or video interviews, plan on meeting with people who are well prepared and discerning in assessing you as a potential candidate.
—Tracy Brower, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, The Break treats discerning 11- to 15-year-olds to their own hangout spot and amenities, including a virtual reality gaming system, recording booth, retro soda machine, and candy wall.
—Gina Kramer, USA TODAY, 28 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
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Word to the wise: the end credits are more like a Marvel movie as they are interrupted by a longish extra scene that includes a special cast member, blues legend Buddy Guy, plus yet another musical number at the end of credits.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
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Getting another running back on Day 3 is a wise move, and getting Deion Sanders into the Cowboys’ stratosphere at No. 239 will certainly make Jerry Jones smile.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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With this approach, grocers can display all store items online, differentiating between those immediately available and those available at a future date.—
Devadas Pattathil,
Forbes,
19 Dec. 2024
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Many of these startups position themselves as AI search engines centered on scholarly research—each with differentiating product features and target audiences.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Not all stocks will weather the storm equally, but undervalued, dividend-paying companies—particularly those with strong balance sheets and a track record of prudent capital discipline—are well-positioned to navigate the turbulence.—
John Buckingham,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Her action was no surprise—judges don’t tend to be well disposed toward efforts to bump them off cases, which is why prudent litigants are wary of making such requests.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This involves distinguishing between the data plane, where information is transferred, and the control plane, which governs processes without directly handling the data itself.—
Taylor Brown,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
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Researchers say that their discovery has helped tremendously in distinguishing the theropods of this region, which were poorly known before.—
Jack Knudson,
Discover Magazine,
1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Thank you as always for the insightful questions, everyone.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The Essential Takeaways This insightful research study provided two eye-opening outcomes.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In particular, health districts and hospitals are seeing more flu and pertussis, known as whooping cough.—
Carolyn Komatsoulis,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Jan. 2025
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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
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The organization has challenged over 100 scholarships and programs discriminating against White and Asian students at universities across the country.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
Fox News,
22 Dec. 2024
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Winning Tom Hanks the first of his two consecutive Oscars, Philadelphia traces the story of Andrew Beckett, an accomplished attorney who gets wrongfully terminated from his job, and sues his former employers for discriminating against him as a gay man with AIDS.—
Tomris Laffly,
TIME,
20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Look to the furore regarding Burger King’s 2024 ‘Foodfilment’ campaign showing real and non-staged British mothers tucking into a dirty burger immediately post-partum as a key marketing example.—
Katie Baron,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
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Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws regarding pay and leave.—
Tom Spiggle,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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