discernment
noun
dis·cern·ment
di-ˈsərn-mənt 
-ˈzərn-
Synonyms
Examples of discernment in a Sentence
I wasn't sanguine about my powers of discernment, as I've failed similar exercises in the Central Park Ramble, where I practice bird-watching for dummies and am scarcely able to distinguish a rook from a duck.
—
Judith Thurman, New Yorker, 1 Dec., 2003
Varying widely in scope and theme, the 10 essays about the Bill of Rights in this collection often shine with insight and sparkling turns of phrase; some, however, betray lack of discernment.
—Jonathan Kellerman et al., Publishers Weekly, 17 Apr. 2000
If one searched the archives to find an example of Spanish colonial policy at its worst, one would surely select Don Carlos Benites Franquis de Lugo, a vain, arrogant, opinionated fop who never displayed a shred of either courage or discernment but who did distinguish himself as one of the most inept and vengeful Spaniards ever to function overseas.
—James A. Michener, Texas, 1985
His lack of discernment led to his disastrous choice of business partners.
the discernment to know when someone is a true friend
Judith Thurman, New Yorker, 1 Dec., 2003
Varying widely in scope and theme, the 10 essays about the Bill of Rights in this collection often shine with insight and sparkling turns of phrase; some, however, betray lack of discernment.
—Jonathan Kellerman et al., Publishers Weekly, 17 Apr. 2000
If one searched the archives to find an example of Spanish colonial policy at its worst, one would surely select Don Carlos Benites Franquis de Lugo, a vain, arrogant, opinionated fop who never displayed a shred of either courage or discernment but who did distinguish himself as one of the most inept and vengeful Spaniards ever to function overseas.
—James A. Michener, Texas, 1985
His lack of discernment led to his disastrous choice of business partners.
the discernment to know when someone is a true friend
Recent Examples on the Web
But behind the phantasmagorical comedy lies a cineaste’s discernment.
—Erik Piepenburg, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024
Instincts, honed by evolution, guide us through social landscapes, while rationality provides critical analysis for discernment and long-term planning.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discernment 
Erik Piepenburg, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024
Instincts, honed by evolution, guide us through social landscapes, while rationality provides critical analysis for discernment and long-term planning.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discernment
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'discernment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1570, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Dictionary Entries Near discernment
Cite this Entry
“Discernment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discernment. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
discernment
noun
dis·cern·ment
dis-ˈərn-mənt
diz-
: the quality of being able to understand clearly
More from Merriam-Webster on discernment
Nglish: Translation of discernment for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of discernment for Arabic Speakers
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