1
as in to feel
to have a vague awareness of
I thought I perceived a problem, but I wasn't sure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to notice
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes
perceived that it was going to be a nice day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to understand
to have a clear idea of
I perceive your point, but I still disagree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 perceive
And if the agency that ultimately needs to approve any deal is the one leading the process, real or perceived biases about the states or key issues in the agreement could further complicate the discussions.
—
Karen Schlatter, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
The Epstein files include email exchanges between the two, and showed a relationship that some perceived as a close friendship.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Weiss also perceived a stark resistance to change in some quarters of CBS.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
People perceive his invisible walls.
—Big Think, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceive
Karen Schlatter, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
The Epstein files include email exchanges between the two, and showed a relationship that some perceived as a close friendship.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Weiss also perceived a stark resistance to change in some quarters of CBS.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
People perceive his invisible walls.
—Big Think, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceive
Verb
-
For frequent travelers accustomed to efficiency, the idea of arriving at the airport half a day early can feel untenable.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
-
If a process feels clunky, those advance preparations could give you time to come up with a new way of doing things that works better for everyone.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
James turned forty-one at the end of that month, an age at which many people start to notice the normal degeneration of their tendons and joints.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2026
-
In 2024, the Rowes noticed a significant change in Ralph's behavior.—
Will Croxton,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
According to IntBot, the robot represents a broader shift toward socially intelligent robots capable of understanding human intent and operating autonomously in real-world environments such as airports, hospitals, and public buildings.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Mar. 2026
-
For them as well as for their families, an easy-to-understand safety feature like an airbag will give them peace of mind as well.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But those from back home, where memories of Magic still sit fresh on the tip of tongues, sense there could be more.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Those athletes, likely at least in part sensing a physical vulnerability, such as a lack of strength, coordination or control, tend to move differently, even with simple tasks like walking or running.—
Ian McMahan,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Melanie Benesh from the Environmental Working Group, which has worked closely with Gabriel throughout the years on his legislation, said if the bill were to be passed, shoppers could see the seals on breads, yogurts, snacks and cereals.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
26 Mar. 2026
-
The Current did not call upon any of Croix Bethune, Debinha, Lo LaBonta, Michelle Cooper, and Ellie Bravo-Young in the starting lineup, as Armas opted for rotation given a road trip that sees KC play three games in seven days.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The vote came during the second week of a marathon debate over a controversial elections bill known as the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and certain forms of photo ID to cast a ballot.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Seals and Crofts were native Texans who had known each other since high school and played together in various groups before becoming a duo, Seals & Crofts, in the late 1960s.—
Hillel Italie,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Investigators described a foul-smelling place with bags and bottles of fetuses and jars of body parts, along with bloodstained furniture and dirty medical instruments.—
Greg Norman-Diamond,
FOXNews.com,
24 Mar. 2026
-
And hand sanitizers, shampoos and liquid soaps smell good and can be confused for water or milk.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were spotted in terminals, including at Philadelphia International Airport, where a protester was seen at one of the checkpoints holding a sign criticizing ICE.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Liaw was arrested last week, but not before he was spotted posing for a picture with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceive. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
