1
as in to notice
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to differentiate
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 to understand
to have a clear idea of
we're still trying to discern the meaning of that cryptic remark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of discern
With detailed consulting services and discerning educational initiatives, CDK narrows down the broad rules implemented by ADA, leaving a two-fold impact—helping communities understand service dogs and helping regulatory bodies refine their guidelines.
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Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
People's most private information—their relationships, their locations, and their activities and interests—can be easily discerned from these profiles.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
As speaker, Ritter’s own political philosophy is not easy to discern.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 9 Dec. 2024
On the other hand, sometimes the few who discern merit in a small, unprofitable movie include producers, financiers, and others with the power to make things happen.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discern 
Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
People's most private information—their relationships, their locations, and their activities and interests—can be easily discerned from these profiles.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
As speaker, Ritter’s own political philosophy is not easy to discern.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 9 Dec. 2024
On the other hand, sometimes the few who discern merit in a small, unprofitable movie include producers, financiers, and others with the power to make things happen.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
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Before the first practice following the Northern Illinois loss, Leonard wrote that a couple of younger teammates noticed a change in his demeanor.Tim Casey, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
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Even those in the jewelry industry have noticed this trend.Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The marketing stunt’s popularity, which surprised even the game’s top executive, led to a surge in Pop-Tarts sales and has set a new standard for how non-playoff bowl games can differentiate themselves in a crowded market.Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 26 Dec. 2024
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Consumers today are smart enough to differentiate between fluff and authenticity in mass marketing.Nitin Gupta, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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However, to help households adopt cleaner heating and cooling, state and federal incentives need to be coordinated and contractors need to understand all the incentives available.Susan Miller, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
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The Dial offers readers a glimpse into the world beyond their borders, a monthly syllabus for understanding tumultuous times that challenges assumptions and presents new writing that delights.The Dial, The Dial, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Decide below, then see what readers across the globe think.Christian Allaire, Vogue, 22 Dec. 2024
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The Magic then saw Moe Wagner (left knee) and Wendell Carter Jr. (ejected) leave the game early, too.Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Dec. 2024
Verb
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As noted above, the thing about walking pneumonia that distinguishes it from traditional pneumonia is the relative mildness of the symptoms.Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Dec. 2024
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Abbey Road is also back on the Top Album Sales chart, which doesn’t distinguish between purchase platform or format, but rather paints a complete picture of the bestselling musical releases in the U.S.Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Don't ever be afraid to ask questions, because there's almost always somebody there who will know what the heck is going on.Anika Reed, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
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Beyond not knowing how to connect with the French cinema world, the agent suggests that international composers are sometimes deterred by the smaller upfront fees, not realizing this is often counterbalanced by France’s robust music royalty system, overseen by rights body SACEM.Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Some of the drones, or multiple sightings of the same drone, have been spotted over military installations and other sensitive sites such as President-elect Donald Trump's golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Dec. 2024
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Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Garner have been spotted in them, and this cozy style with glimmering sequins will add a little extra sparkle to your winter shoedrobe.Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The group can’t decipher any helpful clues from that cryptic text, but all have thoughts on the importance of the upcoming contest.EW.com, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024
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To decipher her code, translate the picture (or pictures) on each card into two words, then anagram the letters to spell out one of the dishes depicted on the right.Suerynn Lee, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near discern
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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