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 The numbers reflect how Florida’s long history of racial discrimination and permissive gun laws undermine public health, said researchers, public officials, community activists and grieving parents. — Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 Their demands extend beyond the wage board to job security, workplace safety, maternity benefits, access to subsidized essentials and protection against anti-union discrimination, blacklisting and intimidation. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026 Over the years, major companies, including Activision Blizzard and Riot Games, have reached multimillion-dollar settlements over toxic workplace allegations — sometimes involving harassment, discrimination, and professional retaliation. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026 Co-created by Amber Noizumi and Michael Green, Blue Eye Samurai follows the story of Mizu, a samurai who conceals her gender and mixed-race heritage after facing a life of discrimination, on a personal quest for revenge. — Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discrimination

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discrimination

Noun

Corruption talk blurs the distinctions between these three distinct things.

— Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
For Leo, that distinction comes from making the highly recognizable papal wardrobe part of his own public style.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 27 Aug. 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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discriminating

discrimination

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“Discrimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discrimination. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of discrimination

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Synonyms of discrimination

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