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
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Recent Examples of perceive
That landslide victory was galvanized by deadly street protests in the fall led by a Gen Z determined to purge a political old guard perceived as venal and out of touch.
—
Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Apr. 2026
The study further indicates that a significant share of workers perceive a gap between leadership expectations and employees’ day-to-day experiences (López, Rethinking Change Management, 2025).
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Journalism ethics experts are weighing in, telling the Herald that reporters have to avoid conflicts of interest — whether the conflict is real or perceived.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 14 Apr. 2026
Sensitive and self-critical at times, this zodiac sign is deeply aware of how others perceive them — qualities that mirror her portrayal of Cassie Howard.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceive
Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Apr. 2026
The study further indicates that a significant share of workers perceive a gap between leadership expectations and employees’ day-to-day experiences (López, Rethinking Change Management, 2025).
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Journalism ethics experts are weighing in, telling the Herald that reporters have to avoid conflicts of interest — whether the conflict is real or perceived.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 14 Apr. 2026
Sensitive and self-critical at times, this zodiac sign is deeply aware of how others perceive them — qualities that mirror her portrayal of Cassie Howard.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceive
Verb
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There are so many exquisite, Netherlandish, hyperreal details to admire in the piece—the shadow of Giovanna’s necklace, the enamel decorations on her cross, the frizz of her hair—but there’s something about the ribbon that feels like a banner of heartbreak.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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Mead has started 10 of Arsenal’s 17 WSL matches this season, and with her contract expiring in June — the same month as England’s final two qualifiers — her next move feels crucial.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But as the 21-year-old cornerback approaches the NFL Draft projected as a second-round pick, those closest to him remember when his size was the first thing people noticed, and often the only thing.—
Tyler Carmona,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2026
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Take our recent example game’s score of eight to six with a goal of 10 points; Fermat would notice that the game must end within five coin flips.—
Jack Murtagh,
Scientific American,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Vandersloot, a key part of the Sky’s 2021 WNBA title run, understands that fans want another championship.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
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The device uses sensitive carbon rather than metal to deliver signals that are much clearer and more precise, enabling surgeons to map and understand brain activity in real time with far greater detail.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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To test the platform, the team designed four sensing setups targeting different analytes in different environments.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Apr. 2026
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What Gemini says, Pisces feels, and what Pisces senses, Gemini tries to rationalize.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The cast also includes Naomi Ackie, who is seen in the trailer, reportedly as the scientist Hagen turns to for help following his disfigurement.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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Ahmed and Alex, also Arsenal fans, are here hoping to see the same.—
Nnamdi Onyeagwara,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Instead, a system known as PURL has been established, whereby NATO and Europe fund weapons purchases urgently needed by Ukraine, such as Patriot missiles (which can shoot down Russian ballistic or cruise missiles that target cities).—
Trudy Rubin,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
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A lot of these fishing tournaments are won by these younger anglers that really haven’t studied the body of water, don’t know it like the older fishermen, but are still extremely successful with the new technology.—
Mike McFeely,
Twin Cities,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Contrary to popular belief, a cat lady’s home can be clean and smell good.—
Kayla Blanton,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
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Read Full Review Getty Parque Florestal de Monsanto Lisbon’s national forest is the largest green space in the city, and home to stunning fauna and flora, including the eucalyptus trees that smell incredible.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Of recent, the actor—now finally finished her mammoth press run—was spotted in Saint-Tropez embracing a distinctly off-beat, anti-boho aesthetic in pooling denim jeans avec a matching bucket hat and brown leather jacket.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2026
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Imagine strolling through Newark Liberty International Airport and spotting puppies at every turn — baggage claim, security checkpoints, boarding gates.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceive. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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