acuity
noun
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Do you have acuity or sensitivity?
Acuity is nearly synonymous with at least one sense of sensitivity, yet, as is so often the case with closely-related words, there are subtle differences worth observing before you substitute one of these words for the other. Acuity does refer to a form of sensitivity, but it is most often applied to the perceptual senses (as in “visual acuity” or “auditory acuity”). It is also frequently used in reference to the intellect (as in “mental acuity”). Sensitivity has a broader range of meanings than acuity does, including “the capacity of being easily hurt.” It may be used of inanimate objects such as radios (“the sensitivity of the instruments was carefully calibrated”), a context in which acuity is unusual.
Synonyms
Examples of acuity in a Sentence
Mark Gurarie, Health, 3 Oct. 2024
But Biden’s decision to drop out came only after intense pressure from Democratic Party elites and voters who expressed deep concerns about the president’s mental acuity and ability to win the November election.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 27 July 2024
With President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 election, Trump is now the oldest presidential nominee in history as age and mental acuity have become focal points in this year's election cycle.
—Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 22 Sep. 2024
Her vouching for Biden’s acuity and vigor, for example, drew no queries.
—The Editors, National Review, 11 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for acuity 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acuity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near acuity
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“Acuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acuity. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.
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acuity
noun
Medical Definition
acuity
noun
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