DISCRIMINATION Synonyms: 9 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'discrimination' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of discrimination are acumen , discernment , insight , penetration , and perception . While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent. // the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

Q: Where would 'acumen' be a reasonable alternative to 'discrimination'?

The words acumen and discrimination can be used in similar contexts, but acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment. // a director of reliable box-office acumen

Q: When is 'discernment' a more appropriate choice than 'discrimination'?

Although the words discernment and discrimination have much in common, discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art). // the discernment to know true friends

Q: When might 'insight' be a better fit than 'discrimination'?

While in some cases nearly identical to discrimination , insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy. // a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

Q: When would 'penetration' be a good substitute for 'discrimination'?

The meanings of penetration and discrimination largely overlap; however, penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial. // lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

Q: When could 'perception' be used to replace 'discrimination'?

The words perception and discrimination are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling). // a novelist of keen perception into human motives

discrimination

noun

di-ˌskri-mə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of discrimination next

as in distinction

the state of being kept distinct in her mind there did not exist a discrimination between the imaginary and the real

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How does the noun discrimination differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of discrimination are acumen, discernment, insight, penetration, and perception. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

Where would acumen be a reasonable alternative to discrimination?

The words acumen and discrimination can be used in similar contexts, but acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

When is discernment a more appropriate choice than discrimination?

Although the words discernment and discrimination have much in common, discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

When might insight be a better fit than discrimination?

While in some cases nearly identical to discrimination, insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When would penetration be a good substitute for discrimination?

The meanings of penetration and discrimination largely overlap; however, penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

When could perception be used to replace discrimination?

The words perception and discrimination are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of discrimination According to the Department of Education’s database on Title IV complaints, Marschall’s is the only Title IV discrimination complaint open at the university. —

Yash Roy, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2025 Keep discussions about the arrest private and professional to avoid potential discrimination claims. —

Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025 The latest: Lawmakers introduced House Bill 630 last month, which would ban wage discrimination based on gender, race or ethnicity, as well as protect workers from retaliation and prevent employers from using pay history to set salaries. —

Melissa Santos, Axios, 1 Apr. 2025 Stigma and discrimination impede access to life-saving services and exacerbate the vulnerability of such populations. —

Peter Sands, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discrimination

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discriminating

discrimination

discriminational

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“Discrimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discrimination. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Last Updated: 8 Apr 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of discrimination

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