perceive

verb

pər-ˈsēv How to pronounce perceive (audio)
Definition of perceivenext
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 The comments followed lackluster second quarter financials with execs on the defensive as analysts grilled the company on what Wall Street perceives as a bit of a slump. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 16 July 2026 This time, there are once again signs Netflix is moving to address problems, real or perceived. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 16 July 2026 The idea was to focus on altering a drone‘s physical appearance to change how it is perceived. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026 Superstitions and stories prevail because this area is perceived to have more disappearances than other parts of the world, but this is untrue. — Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for perceive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceive
  1. feel
  2. notice
  3. understand
  4. sense
  5. see
  6. know
  7. smell
  8. spot
Verb
  • Either way, for a community facing such deep loss, the space felt to Dondi like a warm blanket.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • On one wall, Garcia has some of his hats on display, beautifully constructed in beaver felt.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of feel
Verb
  • In 2023, after a park visitor noticed a broken Fury 325 support beam, the coaster closed for six weeks that summer.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso July 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026
  • The radiologist notices a small spot on the lung unrelated to the original reason for the exam and appropriately recommends follow-up.
    — Demetri Giannikopoulos, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of notice
Verb
  • As with consideration of any new medication, understanding implications, both good and bad, short-term and long-term, need to be fully discussed with any patient and treating physician.
    — Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • It’s been understood for years that America’s adversaries and allies alike take a keen interest in how this country practices an imperfect democracy.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 17 July 2026
Definition of understand
Verb
  • Researchers also aim to integrate the sensing-actuation loop directly into soft robots, enabling instinctive responses, while using its rich force signals to improve perception and interaction in complex environments.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
  • Laura could sense them, being now an observer of living things.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
Definition of sense
Verb
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium might never again see two comebacks like the ones engineered by Messi in Atlanta.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • She’s seen during a dance rehearsal, a silly social media clip, and onstage from their Lollapalooza set, the latter of which came before her announcement in February to step away from Katseye.
    — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026
Definition of see
Verb
  • Another gripe for many is the American accents uniformly applied to these characters from Greek mythology when everyone knows that all the glorious empires of Hollywood speak exclusively in British accents.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • On the opposite side of the ball, he could be heard barking orders out during pick-and-roll situations, loudly letting teammates know where the ball-handler was headed.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Definition of know
Verb
  • Inside, the 40 sheep that were included in the scene made things smell a bit unpleasant.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026
  • Similarly, deodorizing products like baking soda and charcoal filters can keep your trash from smelling and ultimately attracting fruit flies, Messenger says.
    — Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 16 July 2026
Definition of smell
Verb
  • They had been spotted in nearby trees but didn’t immediately return to the nest.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Rodríguez Castro made at least 23 private trips aboard a private jet to Panama between 2024 and late 2025, where he was spotted luxury-shopping.
    — Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of spot

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perceivable
perceive
perceived
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Cite this Entry

“Perceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceive. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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