perceptive

adjective

per·cep·tive pər-ˈsep-tiv

Synonyms of perceptive next

: responsive to sensory stimuli : discerning

a perceptive eye

: capable of or exhibiting keen perception : observant

a perceptive scholar

: characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight

perceptively adverb

perceptiveness noun

perceptivity

(ˌ)pər-ˌsep-ˈti-və-tē

noun

Example Sentences

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 Pim is a sensitive and perceptive guide to Roth’s life and his writing. —

Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2023 More than one individual in the courtroom is surely perceptive enough to pick up on that narrative. —

Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2023 While Miller’s critical reputation rose and fell throughout his lifetime, Lahr’s perceptive book makes a strong case for the enduring relevance of the playwright as well. —

Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Jan. 2023 Carmichael, who’s known more for his emotionally raw and perceptive brand of comedy, appeared out of his comfort zone throughout the night, and more focused on fostering a general sense of unease than landing haymakers. —

Marlow Stern, Rolling Stone, 11 Jan. 2023 And her insights into their personalities are funny, warm, and perceptive. —

Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Jan. 2023 Besides Jessica herself, an extraordinarily perceptive woman who is continually underestimated by idiots and miscreants, the series’ array of backdrops feels like a time machine back to the late ’80s and early ’90s. —

Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2023 Barbara Walters was the very best kind of journalistic tree — empathetic, perceptive, prepared and relentless. —

Avi Selk, Washington Post, 31 Dec. 2022 Among the most perceptive was Tim Kaine, then the Virginia governor and Democratic National Committee chairman. —

Alexander Burns, The New York Review of Books, 29 Dec. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perceptive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.