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
Relevance
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
As your perceptive nature sharpens, teach through example by admitting your mistakes, then fixing them.
—
Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026
But the essential element is that Blumm and Lang are clearly playing the same guy — and that’s a testament not only to good acting but Taylor’s sensitive, perceptive direction.
—Mick Lasalle, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 Mar. 2026
The bizarre spike made the rounds online before a perceptive X user noted that the real reason for the change was that Polymarket traders had created a secondary market to bet on whether the odds of Christ returning would climb above 5 percent.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
The walls are decked out with perceptive studies of the Mustang landscape by the American painter Robert Powell, a frequent visitor to the region, and by drapes and banners referencing the colorful cloud curlicues of Thangka scrolls.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceptive
Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026
But the essential element is that Blumm and Lang are clearly playing the same guy — and that’s a testament not only to good acting but Taylor’s sensitive, perceptive direction.
—Mick Lasalle, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 Mar. 2026
The bizarre spike made the rounds online before a perceptive X user noted that the real reason for the change was that Polymarket traders had created a secondary market to bet on whether the odds of Christ returning would climb above 5 percent.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
The walls are decked out with perceptive studies of the Mustang landscape by the American painter Robert Powell, a frequent visitor to the region, and by drapes and banners referencing the colorful cloud curlicues of Thangka scrolls.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptive
Adjective
-
For once in his life, Sting manages to add some sensitive harmonies without trying to steal the show.—
Brett Milano,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
By connecting a phone to a computer using a USB cable, an attacker with physical access may be able to exploit the flaw during the early boot process, potentially exposing sensitive data before full security protections are enforced.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Reds have been a pleasant surprise in the Eastern Conference of MLS and are comfortably in the mix of top east teams, standings wise.—
Braidon Nourse,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Flavor-wise, both the Molten Lava Cake and Strawberry Burst were pleasant, but less singularly memorable than the Cinnamon Caramel Pop-Tart.—
Joseph Erbentraut,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Gaston’s interest in horses predated his relationship with Kathrin; her predecessor as his girlfriend was a keen rider.—
Simon Akam,
Vanity Fair,
2 Apr. 2026
-
It’s found success among Iranians who aren’t as keen on the clerical government.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That move, which may have seemed prudent at the time, ended up killing off the TFG’s chances.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Local launch traffic will likely be heavy, so leaving yourself hours of flexibility is prudent.—
Elizabeth Howell,
Space.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Choose sustainable solutions, not quick, leaky patches.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Lunch is often an informal affair—poke bowls from Da Poke Bowl Shack, tacos from El Jefe, or something quick from Knosh or Takeaway 242 between pool and beach.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Her professional background as a child and family therapist, and her passion for offering support to families gives her a uniquely insightful perspective on the intersection of mental health, relationships and education.—
Beth Collums,
AJC.com,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Scout seems insightful, based on its response to a question posed by The Associated Press about why one of Silicon Valley’s brightest stars faded away a decade ago.—
Michael Liedtke,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Jackson died from acute propofol intoxication in 2009 having been accused of improper relationships with three boys.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The route adds 10 days and increases costs by about 25%, at a time when over 19 million Sudanese face acute food insecurity.—
SAM MEDNICK,
Arkansas Online,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptive. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
