discerning

[dih-sur-ning, -zur-] / dɪˈsɜr nɪŋ, -ˈzɜr- /

ADJECTIVE

discriminating

Synonyms

STRONGEST

astute insightful knowledgeable penetrating perceptive piercing

STRONG

knowing

WEAK

acute bright brilliant clear-sighted clever critical gnostic ingenious insighted intelligent judicious percipient perspicacious sagacious sage sensitive sharp shrewd subtle wise

Antonyms

STRONGEST

idiotic ignorant stupid unaware unintelligent

WEAK

disregardful neglectful negligent overlooking undiscerning undiscriminating

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.

With Epstein, their societal ambitions were so urgent they failed to be discerning.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Melodrama doesn’t exactly have the most sterling reputation for discerning cinema viewers.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

Are students taught to be discerning about what information is credible?

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

The software market is now discerning which companies can withstand AI disruption.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Edward felt immediately that Nellie was a very discerning woman.

From "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo