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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discern
During our recent investigation, OSDH was able to discern that there was no risk to the public with either of these cases.
—
Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
And that’s been a problem — well, at least for discerning, weak-kneed cosmopolitan viewers like me.
—Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2025
Nonetheless, in Lund’s keenly discerning view, the game—its swings and misses, hits and runs, acrobatic catches and awkward miscues—is inseparable from the human element that goes into each of these crucial yet infinitesimal incidents.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2025
Ever the attentive and discerning listener, Elsbeth immediately has questions about the story: how could Eddie have gotten the drop on Goldie when Goldie was facing the front door of the restaurant?
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
And that’s been a problem — well, at least for discerning, weak-kneed cosmopolitan viewers like me.
—Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2025
Nonetheless, in Lund’s keenly discerning view, the game—its swings and misses, hits and runs, acrobatic catches and awkward miscues—is inseparable from the human element that goes into each of these crucial yet infinitesimal incidents.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2025
Ever the attentive and discerning listener, Elsbeth immediately has questions about the story: how could Eddie have gotten the drop on Goldie when Goldie was facing the front door of the restaurant?
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
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Retailers often anticipate a bump in sales around dividend time each year and even small businesses notice the uptick.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
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The new policy allows Ferbert to skip the time-consuming step of asking the council for permission in the form of a briefing session that must be scheduled days in advance and publicly noticed.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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By integrating smart technology, landlords can foster a sense of belonging, increase retention and differentiate their properties in a competitive market.—
Kira Golenko,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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However, Dollar General has differentiated itself from other retailers, which have frequently reported net losses in revenue.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
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These moments reflect her inner conflicts, helping audiences understand her emotional journey.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
19 Mar. 2025
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Getting more people to understand who is homeless, Are and Portway agree, is key to getting better results for people.—
Christie Zizo,
Orlando Sentinel,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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After Uncle Sam got on the motorcycle, as previously seen on every night of both residencies, there was an edit, and then a cut right to the skeletal avatar driving around a neon cartoon rendering of the streets of Las Vegas.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
22 Mar. 2025
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The rum-baba renaissance currently sweeping London sees this long-standing convention as a negotiable starting point.—
Hilary Armstrong,
Robb Report,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Most of those listed have distinguished themselves as prominent Trump critics.—
Brady Knox,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
22 Mar. 2025
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The motion detection is smart, too, distinguishing between people, pets, and vehicles, which cuts down on false alerts.—
Shubham Yewale,
PCMAG,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The cause of the fire was not known, the Fire Brigade said.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC News,
21 Mar. 2025
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Arrange for a soil test and know what your garden needs before reaching for the fertilizer.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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However, in a surprising move, the World No. 2 was spotted visiting the Masters course before heading to the Texas Children's Houston Open.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Mar. 2025
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Songwriter Rob Milton recently spotted not one, but two ladies who have spent time in the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta — Drew Sidora and Claudia Jordan — in an April 2005 episode of Raven-Symoné'sThat’s So Raven.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Two puncture marks in the ring eventually gave translators a clue about how to decipher it.—
Joshua Rapp Learn,
Discover Magazine,
15 Mar. 2025
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And the latter term for one who studies or writes word, logic or mathematical puzzles seems apt for what Gates has deciphered on the job.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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