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
The Clooneys are very discerning about choosing work projects to ensure their kids take priority.
—
Kayla Grant, People.com, 3 July 2025
The key is discerning between those who are willing to grow and those who choose to sow discord.
—Jennifer C. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
With moon light and a carbide light, Tobe could discern the eyes of several gators.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Some artists report losing significant opportunities and having to switch careers because of the genre’s downturn; others are paranoid, unable to discern the real from the hoax.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Kayla Grant, People.com, 3 July 2025
The key is discerning between those who are willing to grow and those who choose to sow discord.
—Jennifer C. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
With moon light and a carbide light, Tobe could discern the eyes of several gators.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Some artists report losing significant opportunities and having to switch careers because of the genre’s downturn; others are paranoid, unable to discern the real from the hoax.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for discern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discern
Verb
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Maybe a student is an amateur chef who notices that there are few affordable bakers in the area for parties and community events.—
Christopher Rim,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Pankow's absence is noticed on set of the final season, Cline says.—
Julia Moore,
People.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
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There, Burns expertly broke down the physical and personality characteristics that differentiate the four animals.—
Grace Tucker,
The Enquirer,
23 July 2025
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That’s what differentiates Tesla from other carmakers: its fans are well known for volunteering their own time, famously helping in earlier years with the end-of-quarter push to deliver cars to new owners.—
Christiaan Hetzner,
Fortune,
22 July 2025
Verb
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Unlike other coastal destinations that easily succumb to high-rise condos, touristy restaurants, and run-of-the-mill souvenir shops, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea understands that growth doesn’t always equal progress.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
15 July 2025
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With millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok and Substack, the platform is positioned towards helping young people better understand the news, with regular free newsletters and podcasts.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
15 July 2025
Verb
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At Holland State Park, which is run by the state and hasn’t seen lifeguards in three decades, there’s talk among Park Township officials of implementing a lifeguard pilot program.—
Tresa Baldas,
Freep.com,
21 July 2025
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Friday, July 25 8 p.m. ET: Great White Reign of Terror - In South Africa, two people are killed by great whites near the eastern cape, an area that hasn’t seen an attack in decades.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
Verb
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Goleman’s work popularized the idea that a high EQ could distinguish great leaders from merely smart ones.—
Ted Ladd,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
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The returning echoes are instantly analyzed by onboard AI to distinguish between debris, rocks, and soft tissue which would likely indicate a human body.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
Verb
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That gap can cause marketing to keep optimizing based on CPC or CPL without knowing which leads actually move forward in the funnel.—
Ron Browning,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
7 July 2025
Verb
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For a deeper peek into Sinclair Canyon and a chance to spot bighorn sheep grazing, try the nearby Juniper Loop hike.—
Jenny Wisniewski,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
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How to spot a stroke The phrase to remember is BE FAST.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
26 July 2025
Verb
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Imagine walking into your doctor’s office feeling sick – and rather than flipping through pages of your medical history or running tests that take days, your doctor instantly pulls together data from your health records, genetic profile and wearable devices to help decipher what’s wrong.—
Turgay Ayer,
The Conversation,
11 July 2025
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The sister looked for clues in the woman’s body language, something adoring and sympathetic, but could not decipher whether this woman was the child’s mother.—
Nora Lange,
New Yorker,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discern. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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