insightful

adjective

in·​sight·​ful ˈin-ˌsīt-fəl  in-ˈsīt- 

: exhibiting or characterized by insight

insightful criticism

insightfully adverb

Synonyms of insightful

• wise
• prudent
• perceptive

Examples of insightful in a Sentence

Her analysis of the problem was very insightful.

a critical study featuring an insightful analysis of the novelist's recurring themes

Recent Examples on the Web

Rothfeld is right that Cusk’s project of dismantling personhood can leave us with a void that is actually personhood radicalized, and thus anything but insightful or liberating. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Watching myself in the insightful new doc Boorman and the Devil, about the troubled 1977 sequel to The Exorcist, was a very strange experience. — Britina Cheng, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

The fate of Clarity could serve as a timely best practice case or an insightful autopsy. — Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

The Des Moines Register sports staff is ready to bring you entertaining and insightful coverage of high school and college sports this fall. — James Kramer, Des Moines Register, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for insightful

• delightful
• frightful
• rightful
• spiteful

Medical Definition

insightful

adjective

in·​sight·​ful ˈin-ˌsīt-fəl  in-ˈ 

: exhibiting or characterized by insight

insightful behavior

insightfully adverb