perceptive
adjective
per·cep·tive
pər-ˈsep-tiv 
1
: responsive to sensory stimuli : discerning
a perceptive eye
2
a
: capable of or exhibiting keen perception : observant
a perceptive scholar
b
: characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight
Examples of perceptive in a Sentence
He is a very perceptive young man.
due to their ability to rotate their ears, cats are very perceptive when it comes to pinpointing the source of a sound
Recent Examples on the Web
Your perceptive nature senses a family need, household issue, or emotional loose end that should be handled before bigger plans move forward.
—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
26 June 2026
Erin is deeply empathetic and highly perceptive — two qualities that don’t necessarily serve her well on Beechwood Island.
—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
25 June 2026
Everything about Shenzi, Banzai and Ed is giving Gemini energy — Shenzi is sharp, perceptive and strategic; Banzai is reactive and argumentative, while Ed contributes random and unpredictable laughter.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
24 June 2026
Traditionally cynical and perceptive commentators—not to mention a lot of tired citizens—found themselves, in some accounts, overcome by an unexpected wave of patriotic sentimentality that washed away, at least for a moment, their gnawing doubts.
—
Christopher Hooks,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceptive
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Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
26 June 2026
Erin is deeply empathetic and highly perceptive — two qualities that don’t necessarily serve her well on Beechwood Island.
—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
25 June 2026
Everything about Shenzi, Banzai and Ed is giving Gemini energy — Shenzi is sharp, perceptive and strategic; Banzai is reactive and argumentative, while Ed contributes random and unpredictable laughter.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
24 June 2026
Traditionally cynical and perceptive commentators—not to mention a lot of tired citizens—found themselves, in some accounts, overcome by an unexpected wave of patriotic sentimentality that washed away, at least for a moment, their gnawing doubts.
—
Christopher Hooks,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceptive
Cite this Entry
“Perceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perceptive. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
perceptive
adjective
per·cep·tive
pər-ˈsep-tiv
: capable of or showing a keen ability to observe and understand
Medical Definition
perceptive
adjective
per·cep·tive
pər-ˈsep-tiv
: responsive to sensory stimulus
a perceptive eye
perceptively
adverb
perceptiveness
noun
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