perceptive

adjective

pər-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce perceptive (audio)
Definition of perceptivenext
1
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences due to their ability to rotate their ears, cats are very perceptive when it comes to pinpointing the source of a sound

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wise
having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge a perceptive therapist was able to discover what was really troubling the youth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 perceptive The world is too noisy; therefore, people are less perceptive. — Josh Zajdman, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026 With time, users may begin to experience AI not simply as a tool but as a uniquely perceptive source of guidance. — Morgan Shipley, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026 Tonal issues persist, with too many big, absurdist swings coming up empty (funerals, parties, tornados, oh no) and too few relatable or perceptive gags to balance them out. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026 But although the mysterious connections between siblings are an area ripe for exploration, Herzog doesn’t seem all that interested beyond the quirk factor, making the film seem precious rather than perceptive. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perceptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptive
  1. sensitive
  2. wise
  3. keen
  4. prudent
  5. quick
  6. insightful
  7. acute
Adjective
  • Some highly sensitive issues include relations with the European Union and Russia, but the primary focus will be dealing with corruption.
    — JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • There may be time-sensitive observations or decisions that need to be made before any instruction could arrive.
    — Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • The woman, too, speaks about this wise, educated man who is going to get the farmers together and make the world listen to the stories of deaths in these parts.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Coogan also played Uncle Fester in the original Addams Family, making a triumphant return to the screen as an adult—older and wiser.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of wise
Adjective
  • Lastly, while summer is certainly a wonderful time to visit—and surely the most popular—I’m keen to come back in winter.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
  • When some youngsters in Rome tried to set a dumpster on fire, others quickly extinguished the blaze, keen to avoid the type of violence that has marred similar protests in France.
    — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of keen
Adjective
  • Predicting the costs How cities full of rational, educated, financially prudent people get sucked in, how we’re persuaded to put aside concerns about being stuck with a massive bill and just surrender to the spectacle.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • And of course, in an era where data and technology sovereignty are both increasingly important, developing space sovereign capability is a prudent hedge against over-reliance on partners whose strategic visions may not always align with one’s own.
    — Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of prudent
Adjective
  • Here’s a quick primer on the leading agents and tips for how to start.
    — Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Naz Reid struck fire midway through the fourth, executing, in quick succession, plays on both ends of the court.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of quick
Adjective
  • Collapsing relationships are the bread and butter of many an insightful novel.
    — B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The end of Sunday’s Last Week Tonight featured a characteristically stupid, yet insightful segment about effective ways to push back against corny and annoying corporate branding.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of insightful
Adjective
  • The pain people feel from inflation in healthcare can be especially acute because the dollar amounts can be large.
    — Ari Pinkus, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026
  • One student survived, but the other later died from complications of acute fentanyl intoxication, according to investigators.
    — Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of acute

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Cite this Entry

“Perceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptive. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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