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.
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Recent Examples of discerning
The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 3 Dec. 2024
But for the more discerning shopper, watch for the Chromebook Plus branding mentioned earlier, which has to meet certain hardware requirements, such as a better CPU, at least 8GB of RAM, 128GB or more of storage, and a 1080p display and webcam.
—PCMAG, 1 Dec. 2024
Tracy Brower, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, The Break treats discerning 11- to 15-year-olds to their own hangout spot and amenities, including a virtual reality gaming system, recording booth, retro soda machine, and candy wall.
—Gina Kramer, USA TODAY, 28 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discerning 
Adjective
Los Angeles advisor Victoria Burns shares the sentiment, noting a sense of relief post-election and a more discerning market, where buyers are taking their time before making acquisitions.
—The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 3 Dec. 2024
But for the more discerning shopper, watch for the Chromebook Plus branding mentioned earlier, which has to meet certain hardware requirements, such as a better CPU, at least 8GB of RAM, 128GB or more of storage, and a 1080p display and webcam.
—PCMAG, 1 Dec. 2024
Verb
For phone or video interviews, plan on meeting with people who are well prepared and discerning in assessing you as a potential candidate.
—Tracy Brower, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, The Break treats discerning 11- to 15-year-olds to their own hangout spot and amenities, including a virtual reality gaming system, recording booth, retro soda machine, and candy wall.
—Gina Kramer, USA TODAY, 28 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discerning
Adjective
-
For example, tying the knot on the same weekend as the Super Bowl in the city where the event is taking place may not be wise, as hotel availability will likely be limited and room rates may be much higher than normal.—
Metro Creative Services,
Boston Herald,
19 Jan. 2025
-
Back then, wise Israelis counseled that to remain an occupying power over an understandably angry people was not only morally repugnant, but could erode Israel's own society.—
Max Rodenbeck,
TIME,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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With this approach, grocers can display all store items online, differentiating between those immediately available and those available at a future date.—
Devadas Pattathil,
Forbes,
19 Dec. 2024
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Many of these startups position themselves as AI search engines centered on scholarly research—each with differentiating product features and target audiences.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
All but one speaker on the matter urged the city away from renewing the deal or encouraged officials to be prudent in any contract decisions.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Jan. 2025
-
If any South Carolina lawmakers are unsure about the need to bring the state’s top marginal income tax rate down further in order to be more competitive, Governor Brian Kemp (R-Ga.) recently demonstrated why Speaker Smith’s proposal is prudent.—
Patrick Gleason,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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This involves distinguishing between the data plane, where information is transferred, and the control plane, which governs processes without directly handling the data itself.—
Taylor Brown,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
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Researchers say that their discovery has helped tremendously in distinguishing the theropods of this region, which were poorly known before.—
Jack Knudson,
Discover Magazine,
1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
From the innovative offerings of the beauty community to insightful donation tips courtesy of local organizers, there is a wealth of information available for all those searching.—
Essence,
Essence,
17 Jan. 2025
-
But most insightful of all is the role played by that show's host, Christopher Walken.—
Marco della Cava,
USA TODAY,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In particular, health districts and hospitals are seeing more flu and pertussis, known as whooping cough.—
Carolyn Komatsoulis,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Jan. 2025
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The games have been about playing spoiler in the NFC playoff picture and seeing what on this 2024 roster is transferrable to the future.—
Saad Yousuf,
The Athletic,
5 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The organization has challenged over 100 scholarships and programs discriminating against White and Asian students at universities across the country.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
Fox News,
22 Dec. 2024
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Winning Tom Hanks the first of his two consecutive Oscars, Philadelphia traces the story of Andrew Beckett, an accomplished attorney who gets wrongfully terminated from his job, and sues his former employers for discriminating against him as a gay man with AIDS.—
Tomris Laffly,
TIME,
20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Look to the furore regarding Burger King’s 2024 ‘Foodfilment’ campaign showing real and non-staged British mothers tucking into a dirty burger immediately post-partum as a key marketing example.—
Katie Baron,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
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Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws regarding pay and leave.—
Tom Spiggle,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near discerning
Cite this Entry
“Discerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discerning. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
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