Definitions

discern

[dih-surn, -zurn] / dɪˈsɜrn, -ˈzɜrn /

VERB

catch sight of; recognize and understand

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anticipate ascertain detect determine differentiate discriminate distinguish divine figure out find out foresee perceive

STRONG

apprehend behold descry discover espy extricate focus judge know note notice observe read remark rubberneck secern separate severalize spot view

WEAK

difference discrepate get a load of get the picture get wise to make distinction make out pick out see the light see through take in

Antonyms

STRONGEST

confuse doubt miss mix up overlook

STRONG

forget ignore lose misunderstand neglect

WEAK

disregard

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Still, the U.S. stock market has gotten a big lift in 2025 from tech’s strong rally, with investors trying to discern whether the AI boom has formed a bubble.

From MarketWatch

Armed with this knowledge, the buyers became more discerning.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some of their more discerning wine-loving friends are also stocking up.

From The Wall Street Journal

They prepare students to discern right from wrong, truth from lies—a process so edifying it can be, as Mr. Kessler advises, as “fun” and “addictive” as any tech.

From The Wall Street Journal

discern

Example Sentences

Related Words