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
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Recent Examples of discerning
Minty Mellon, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2026
Miller and Homan have not always appeared to be on the same page: Whereas Miller has pushed for maximizing the number of arrests and deportations, Homan’s statements have emphasized a more discerning approach focused on criminals.
—Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Alex James Kane, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Only instead of the latest concoction, certain discerning attendees—the ones who have, pointedly, graduated from the Aperol spritz—are ordering a defiantly retro alternative, one that is muddy brown and faintly medicinal.
—Elena Clavarino, Air Mail, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Adjective
For the industry’s top stylists, the standard is even higher: a bag must withstand long days on set, countless flights, and still speak to a discerning point of view.
—Minty Mellon, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2026
Miller and Homan have not always appeared to be on the same page: Whereas Miller has pushed for maximizing the number of arrests and deportations, Homan’s statements have emphasized a more discerning approach focused on criminals.
—Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
The trouble, then, is discerning between what’s democratic and human and what isn’t.
—Alex James Kane, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Only instead of the latest concoction, certain discerning attendees—the ones who have, pointedly, graduated from the Aperol spritz—are ordering a defiantly retro alternative, one that is muddy brown and faintly medicinal.
—Elena Clavarino, Air Mail, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
Room-wise, both of the standard offerings sit in the same size range, though MGM has more options to indulge in larger rooms and suites, and feels newer in design.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 May 2026
-
Travel Wise getty images Those who love hitting the road during summer would be wise to remember that the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 Deadliest Days for driving.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
The first step is noticing your own reactivity threshold by identifying the precise moment when a partner’s tone, silence or phrasing triggers a flood of feeling that then drives your behavior.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
-
Despite the brand’s promise of sustainability, shoppers have been noticing fast-fashion tendencies for years.—
Ashley Fetters Maloy,
Washington Post,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
That is a differentiating point.—
K.H. Koehler,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
-
Their ontology layer may be the most differentiating feature of this solution.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Younger children may have trouble understanding the idea of a hurricane.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
-
HowLitt credits Pratt with understanding how to break through with a communications message, something many Democrats do not.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
24 May 2026
Adjective
-
That would seem to be the prudent path, and Brown figures the experience already has been invaluable.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 May 2026
-
Allowing Brown to oversee the deadline as either a buyer or a team standing pat seems prudent.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
Verb
-
De Zerbi charged on to the pitch, arms-wide in celebration, before spotting the Spanish right-back and giving him a hug, along with Cristian Romero and Randal Kolo Muani.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
-
Russian MoD via Telegram A video on social media shows a Russian interceptor closing in on a white stork – until the bird executes a sharp roll maneuver, leaving the drone chasing empty space (h/t to Andrew Perpetua for spotting this one).—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Goals scored is the next distinguishing factor in the event of a tie, with Liverpool having a five-goal advantage over Bournemouth by this metric.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
24 May 2026
-
That's particularly true when distinguishing between addressing financial market functioning and supporting its dual inflation and employment goals.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
Knicks fans are hoping to break their 53-year championship drought, knowing a title would also silence one of Jalen Brunson’s biggest critics.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
28 May 2026
-
Just their approach every single day, just how to come in, taking responsibility knowing what to do and how to do it.—
Rick Stroud,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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