DISCRIMINATE Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

discriminate

verb

di-ˈskri-mə-ˌnāt

Definition of discriminate

as in to differentiate

to understand or point out the difference in the human eye can discriminate between very slight gradations of color

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of discriminate Opponents argue the measure discriminates against transgender students, potentially leading to harassment, shame and isolation for children and teenagers. — Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2026 Balochistan has endured a long-running insurgency by groups that accuse Pakistan of discriminating against the province and exploiting its natural resources. — Munir Ahmed, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026 The Justice Department said the campus’ law school illegally discriminated against white and Asian applicants in admissions, the latest in a series of similar federal accusations against UC schools this year. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Johnson did not determine whether the NCAA’s former transgender-athlete policies discriminated against female athletes. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discriminate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discriminate

Verb

In other words, employers are less able to rely on cover letters to differentiate one candidate from the next.

— Christina Wyman, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Bringing these creative brands together, giving producers access to a broader pool of talent, IP and resources, while preserving their independence is what differentiates Mediawan.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of differentiate

Verb

On the aesthetic front, Vanadium Grey Metallic accents on the sideview-mirror covers, the wheels, the model-designation decals on the doors, and on the badge at the rear help distinguish the latest Carrera T from its siblings.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
For Jekyll-Hyde, the costumes are crucial and add to the characterization, distinguishing the two men inhabiting the same body.

— Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinguish

Browse Nearby Words

discriminable

discriminate

discriminated

See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

Style

“Discriminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discriminate. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of discriminate

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

jilt

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes