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.

Leo left it up to his followers to discern who he was talking about.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

For the Treasury Department, a clear indicator of increased military spending due to the Iran war is hard to discern.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The Pangram tool has no ability to discern a writer’s work process.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“I have to read my students’ work to see if I can discern telltale signs of AI use, which is a very frustrating and wasteful way to spend time.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

‘Maybe you discern from far away the air of Númenor. Good night!’

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien

Vocabulary lists containing discern

Things Fall Apart

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Romeo and Juliet

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Grade 10, List 5

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