DISCRIMINATION Synonyms: 9 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'discrimination' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of discrimination are acumen , discernment , insight , penetration , and perception . While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent. // the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

Q: Where would 'acumen' be a reasonable alternative to 'discrimination'?

The words acumen and discrimination can be used in similar contexts, but acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment. // a director of reliable box-office acumen

Q: When is 'discernment' a more appropriate choice than 'discrimination'?

Although the words discernment and discrimination have much in common, discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art). // the discernment to know true friends

Q: When might 'insight' be a better fit than 'discrimination'?

While in some cases nearly identical to discrimination , insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy. // a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

Q: When would 'penetration' be a good substitute for 'discrimination'?

The meanings of penetration and discrimination largely overlap; however, penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial. // lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

Q: When could 'perception' be used to replace 'discrimination'?

The words perception and discrimination are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling). // a novelist of keen perception into human motives

discrimination

noun

di-ˌskri-mə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of discrimination

as in distinction

the state of being kept distinct in her mind there did not exist a discrimination between the imaginary and the real

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How does the noun discrimination differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of discrimination are acumen, discernment, insight, penetration, and perception. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

Where would acumen be a reasonable alternative to discrimination?

The words acumen and discrimination can be used in similar contexts, but acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

When is discernment a more appropriate choice than discrimination?

Although the words discernment and discrimination have much in common, discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

When might insight be a better fit than discrimination?

While in some cases nearly identical to discrimination, insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When would penetration be a good substitute for discrimination?

The meanings of penetration and discrimination largely overlap; however, penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

When could perception be used to replace discrimination?

The words perception and discrimination are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

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 discrimination Harassment, discrimination and the uncertainty that can follow a complaint can take a real toll. — William Phillips, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The suit alleges viewpoint discrimination and due process violations, including a lack of meaningful notice of cases against him. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 The bank’s management started a campaign of racial discrimination, retaliatory performance reviews and position restructuring to replace him with less-qualified white executives, according to the lawsuit. — Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026 Ahmed is heartened by the pushback against Hindu nationalism in recent years from progressive Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Dalits, members of the former untouchable caste in India who have historically faced discrimination. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discrimination

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discrimination

Noun

That distinction could become central to Maduro’s attempt to separate his case from that of former Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega, one of the closest historical comparisons.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
That distinction becomes important as benchmarks approach their ceilings.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of distinction

Noun

The burst and ability to create separation jumped out, as did his calm and composed finish, all at seemingly peak speed.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
This direct separation reduces the total volume of fuel processing equipment by more than ninety percent, while significantly shrinking the amount of hazardous radioactive tritium that a plant must keep on site.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of separation

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“Discrimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discrimination. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of discrimination

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Synonyms of discrimination

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