Synonyms of discernment

discernment

noun

di-ˈsərn-mənt 

as in insight

the ability to understand inner qualities or relationships

the discernment to know when someone is a true friend

Synonyms & Similar Words

• insight
• sensitivity
• intellect
• wisdom
• sagacity
• perception
• perceptivity
• perceptiveness
• understanding
• sapience
• intelligence
• sense
• acumen
• sagaciousness
• comprehension
• astuteness
• brilliance
• perspicacity
• judgement
• acuity
• wit
• penetration
• power
• appreciation
• sageness
• judgment
• percipience
• prudence
• clear-sightedness
• keenness
• apprehension
• grasp
• sanity
• brightness
• mentality
• foresight
• reason
• discrimination
• rationality
• canniness
• smartness
• logic
• judiciousness
• cleverness
• gray matter
• foresightedness
• braininess
• brain(s)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• density
• dulness
• obtuseness
• dullness
• folly
• foolishness
• idiocy
• stupidity
• imbecility
• mindlessness
• silliness
• irrationality
• unsoundness
• unreasonableness
• illogic
• insanity
• simplemindedness
• madness
• craziness
• lunacy
• witlessness
• simpleness
• brainlessness
• senselessness
• zaniness
• preposterousness

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun discernment differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of discernment are acumen, discrimination, insight, penetration, and perception. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

When can acumen be used instead of discernment?

While in some cases nearly identical to discernment, acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

In what contexts can discrimination take the place of discernment?

The words discrimination and discernment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

When is insight a more appropriate choice than discernment?

The words insight and discernment can be used in similar contexts, but insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When might penetration be a better fit than discernment?

The meanings of penetration and discernment largely overlap; however, penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

When is it sensible to use perception instead of discernment?

While the synonyms perception and discernment are close in meaning, perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

Examples of discernment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The partisan rivalry that wasn’t supposed to happen gripped these men of discernment in that year’s enormously bitter presidential election. —Jonathan Schlefer, Foreign Affairs, 15 Mar. 2021

Still, while the disco group has not voiced discernment for using their hit song, other artists have not been shy about condemning their music being played on the former president's 2024 campaign trail. —Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 13 Aug. 2024

Which is tricky, as historically, discernment has been the curator’s job. —Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 30 July 2024

Directed within, your current critical attitude could have a chance to blossom into genuine discernment. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 May 2024