Discern
Discern verb - To make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes.
Usage example: barely able to discern the garden gate through the mist
Make out is a synonym for discern in see topic. In some cases you can use "Make out" instead a verb "Discern", when it comes to topics like notice, perceive, distinguish, know. popular alternative
Make out
Make out verb - To have a clear idea of.
Usage example: I can't quite make out what she is trying to say
Mutual synonyms
Cite this Source
Make out and Discern. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 18, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/discern/make_out
Discern & Make out. N.p., 2016. Web. 18 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/discern/make_out>.
Make out or Discern. 2016. Accessed August 18, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/discern/make_out.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "discern" and "make out" have occurred on timeline