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
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 discerning
American-Statesman Staff, Austin American Statesman, 28 July 2025
Leave it to Breville the Smart Scoop to create a high-quality compressor-style ice cream maker for the most discerning home cooks.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2025
Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
Southerners have long been known to have the gift of gab, and that discerning quality has resulted in a rather enthusiastic take on small talk.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
An elevator, gym and infinity pool make this an all-inclusive home that checks all the boxes for even the most discerning buyers in the luxury market.
—American-Statesman Staff, Austin American Statesman, 28 July 2025
Leave it to Breville the Smart Scoop to create a high-quality compressor-style ice cream maker for the most discerning home cooks.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2025
Verb
Limited to just 22 pieces, the price is set at CHF 490,000 (~ $525,000), positioning it among the most exclusive, technically sophisticated timepieces available to discerning collectors today.
—Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
Southerners have long been known to have the gift of gab, and that discerning quality has resulted in a rather enthusiastic take on small talk.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
Documenting positive attributes such as community involvement, steady employment, family support, and other meaningful contributions is also a wise move.—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Only humans can weave meaning, create serendipity, and grow wiser through story.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Leaders need to practice empathy by noticing when silence lingers in a meeting, when a camera remains off, or when fatigue from time zones takes its toll.—
Matthew C. Meade,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
This was created after noticing that some new hires didn’t show up on their start date due to cold feet, second thoughts, or feeling another offer was safer.—
Roula Amire,
Fortune,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Inclement weather has long been the bane of festivals and outdoor tours, and differentiating between climate change and a stretch of bad storms can be tricky.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
6 Sep. 2025
-
But iOS 26 goes further, differentiating between unknown senders and spam, including scams.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
In July, a judge said Decarlos Brown might not be mentally capable of understanding previous charges against him.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
With a background in psychology, intercultural studies, and past work for a professional study abroad agency, Stephens is an endless resource for understanding the cultural variations that come with immigrating to new places globally.—
Essence,
Essence,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Some decisions are prudent, such as the Las Vegas Raiders to defeat the New England Patriots at a nice underdog price.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Sep. 2025
-
These nations have lowered taxes, reduced the size of the state and generally been fiscally prudent with sustainable debt/GDP levels – and their growth rates reflect these prudent decisions.—
Alden Abbott,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Fire will mainly creep and smolder, and spotting potential will be reduced by higher relative humidity.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Colorado potato beetles on your potatoes, a defoliated tomato branch (likely due to tomato hornworms), or some spotting on your zinnias are all easily visible.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Kraft Heinz also had trouble distinguishing its products from cheaper store brands.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Hope to see more distinguishing benefits down the road.—
Chloe Mayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Perhaps, though, Kubrick's cold view of Jack and choice to diminish some of King's sympathetic nuances serve to heighten the terror; how much does knowing the complex motivations of a domestic abuser help their victims?—
James Grebey,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Participants’ weight, waist size, and body mass index (BMI) were tracked, along with their performance on tests of memory, orientation (for example, knowing the date and who the president is), and executive function (such as drawing a clock face).—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share