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.

The novel shows us a country—the leafy East Coast suburbs and the open highways of the West—as seen by a newcomer’s discerning eye.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026

But it was always clear to any discerning viewer that these were the overcompensations of a man beset by eternal emptiness.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

Chinese consumers have "matured a lot", becoming more discerning, said Jing Daily's Nan.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

“People have a very discerning instinct,” said Yaroslavsky.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Silvery patterns decorate his skin, matching his discerning silver eyes.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

Vocabulary lists containing discerning

Leadership Vocabulary

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"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 1

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Vocabulary from poems by Emily Dickinson

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