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
Guests discerned that their experiences were better at specific races, and attendance numbers fluctuated across the seasons.
—
Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
The next stage moves into practitioner territory, helping students discern their path, whether as product makers, teachers, healers, or writers.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
Without citizens who can reason through complex issues and discern good information from bad, democracy and civic life are at risk.
—Michael Prinzing, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2025
In the meantime, consumers must do better in discerning the difference.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
The next stage moves into practitioner territory, helping students discern their path, whether as product makers, teachers, healers, or writers.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
Without citizens who can reason through complex issues and discern good information from bad, democracy and civic life are at risk.
—Michael Prinzing, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2025
In the meantime, consumers must do better in discerning the difference.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
-
That 2024 law induced the companies to decrease the odds of winning, which negatively affected bettors in the aggregate, albeit not in so direct a way that the casual gambler would notice.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Those who noticed the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Training Day star attributed the shift in how people came to pronounce his name to his mother, who needed a way to differentiate between him and his father, who shares the same name.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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The rule dates back to the 19th century and was founded by old-money circles in the Northeast to differentiate themselves from the nouveau riche trying to infiltrate the social elite.—
Starr Bowenbank,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
These measurements are fundamental to understanding how greenhouse gas emissions relate to rising temperatures, simultaneously contributing to scientific research and informing policymakers of compliance with environmental regulations.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
6 Sep. 2025
-
If the marathons of New York and London showcase splendour and establishment and magnificence and size and place, then the Great North Run offers something else; to complete it, to witness it, is to understand its pull.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Taylor also drew false-start and holding penalties in the first half, and teammate Travis Kelce had seen enough during the Chiefs’ season-opening game Friday against the Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
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However, only select regions will get to see the eclipse, including New Zealand, southern Australia, parts of the Pacific and Atlantic, Asia, Africa, and Antarctica.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Code does not distinguish between voluntary and involuntary expatriation.—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Its data did not distinguish between civilians and combatants.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
He was reportedly known to law enforcement to wear a shoulder holster on the left side of his body.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Sep. 2025
-
In late March, a 3-year-old Leavenworth boy known as EJ fell asleep for the night on a neighbor’s couch after eating grapes.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The centerpiece of its design is a cardinal, and living in the South, many of us have watched the trees for these beloved birds as an early sign of spring each year (especially for those in Virginia spotting their state bird).—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
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According to a passenger who spotted her aboard the plane, the congressional representative had ignored a friendly greeting from the economy-cabin flier.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For families deciphering what’s necessary and what to skip in a skin regimen, building a healthy routine for kids can be easy to manage.—
Khanh T.L. Tran,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
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To make deciphering all these invites a little easier, here’s what to know about formal attire.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
23 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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