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 That included efforts to combat discrimination in housing and employment. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026 His third example is a bill introduced earlier this year to create a task force on anti-Sikh hate and discrimination. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The Charlotte Observer’s news parter WSOC-TV later reported the grievance involved allegations of age discrimination and questions about whether Sneed and Rankin had authority to eliminate a district position. — Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026 Unions can also be powerful tools for combating racial pay discrimination; the new report shows tripling union membership would narrow the racial wage gap by more than a third. — Liz Shuler, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discrimination

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discrimination

Noun

That distinction shows both the opportunity for American technology and the limits imposed by remaining dependencies.

— Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
The city institution, which artistic director Robert Drake describes as Georgia's longest-running theater, also holds the distinction of being the first professional theater to integrate both its casts and audience in the southeastern United States.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinction

Noun

Wall Street has been enthusiastic about the separation, which is designed to unlock the value of each group of assets and is likely to generate M&A interest.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026
Layoffs will be spread throughout Comcast‘s connectivity and platforms unit, which is the company that will remain after the separation.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of separation

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“Discrimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discrimination. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of discrimination

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Synonyms of discrimination

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