penetration

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun penetration differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of penetration are acumen, discernment, discrimination, insight, and perception. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

When is it sensible to use acumen instead of penetration?

The words acumen and penetration can be used in similar contexts, but acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

When would discernment be a good substitute for penetration?

The synonyms discernment and penetration are sometimes interchangeable, but discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

When is discrimination a more appropriate choice than penetration?

In some situations, the words discrimination and penetration are roughly equivalent. However, discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

When can insight be used instead of penetration?

The meanings of insight and penetration largely overlap; however, insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When could perception be used to replace penetration?

The words perception and penetration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

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 penetration Some of that is international and some is just deeper penetration with existing stores. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025 The deepest penetration for Midland was at the Dragons’ 20-yard line in the final quarter, but a fourth-down stop gave the ball back to the Southlake offense, which led to the second Gunter TD catch. Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2025 Another design consideration is that the lower penetration depth of these safer, low-energy beta emitters requires that the sources be made very thin, or else the particles will never reach the battery’s semiconductor. IEEE Spectrum, 25 Aug. 2025 Drinkwitz emphasized the Tigers’ progress in run defense and the ability to get penetration, a key factor in their ability to disrupt the offense. Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penetration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetration
Noun
  • Still, the daughter insists that this is about more than sensitivity.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Janelle and Lisa’s sensitivity to materials, language and symbols has resulted in a collection of work whose power lies in its balance between accessibility and poetry.
    Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Thank you so much for your understanding.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • An unexpected connection that transcends class develops between them, one rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and slow-burning affection.
    EW.com, EW.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.
    Creg Stephenson | cstephenson@al.com, al, 20 Jan. 2023
  • But Lord knows, there’s a mountain of acumen and perspicacity or, in plain terms, good horse sense stored in those minds and souls.
    Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Jan. 2023
Noun
  • Biden's last years in office, and his re-election run in 2024, were marked by concerns over his age and mental acuity.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Saunders wowed me with her psychological acuity in her debut, The Distance Home, and this new offering exceeds that jewel.
    Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Forgetting to Stay Hydrated While there's a widespread perception that coffee dehydrates, that's not necessarily true.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Speak up without speaking over One of the biggest perception gaps has to do with challenging misogynistic behavior at work.
    Colleen Tolan, The Conversation, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But planning a trip that appeals to every age group often requires careful thought and expert insight.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The adorable video has brought both laughter and some interesting insights into animal behavior from commenters.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The alignment to the Hogwarts house system gives us a comprehension of both astrology and the Harry Potter-verse.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • In a world where humans and machines coexist, this requires hybrid intelligence — the complementarity of natural and artificial intelligences, which is conditioned by double literacy – a holistic understanding of self and society, people and planet, combined with the candid comprehension of AI.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • More recent events sent me back to the novel itself, and to a new respect for Lewis’ percipience about Americans’ vulnerability to the blandishments of political charlatans, and about his oracular vision of how a fascist takeover would unfold.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2021
  • Jones has experience with a wide array of run-pass option plays as well, and his football percipience is highly regarded.
    Dan Wiederer, chicagotribune.com, 3 Apr. 2021

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Cite this Entry

“Penetration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penetration. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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