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
This involves some combination of being awake and aware, having internal awareness (such as mental imagery and inner thoughts), and being connected to the world with an ability to perceive stimuli.
—
Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
Native color sensing changes how machines perceive their surroundings by combining geometric structure with visual context.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
The moment one starts perceiving what Arnold and friends undergo as excessively dismal, a quick peak at the live-action cruelty in action around the globe tempers that notion.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 15 May 2026
Quarterback Russell Wilson ended up throwing an interception on that play, which immediately was perceived as one of the worst play calls of all time.
—Cj Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceive
Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
Native color sensing changes how machines perceive their surroundings by combining geometric structure with visual context.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
The moment one starts perceiving what Arnold and friends undergo as excessively dismal, a quick peak at the live-action cruelty in action around the globe tempers that notion.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 15 May 2026
Quarterback Russell Wilson ended up throwing an interception on that play, which immediately was perceived as one of the worst play calls of all time.
—Cj Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceive
Verb
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The game itself could barely have felt less consequential in its vibe if it had been played in the first week of June in front of 60,000 neutrals in Manchester United shirts in an overseas stadium.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
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Welina Terrace, which is only open for dinner, feels a bit fancier; low-lit with live music and epic views of the bay.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
Verb
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In an inversion of the more common critical reception of an emerging artist, this new writer’s poetry was often noticed but seldom admired, notwithstanding the Daily Mirror’s snide enthusiasm.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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The biggest change many Coloradans will notice is the temperature.—
Callie Zanandrie,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
Verb
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When told of his dismissal, Morey was surprised and expressed disappointment but was understanding.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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But, ultimately, at the very top, presidents and provosts are going to have to understand that expertise is their mission.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Perhaps sensing this, the league trotted out a series of onstage stimuli between picks.—
Dan Greene,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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As the atoms themselves act as the sensing medium, the same receiver can theoretically operate across an enormous frequency range—from hertz to terahertz—without needing multiple antenna systems.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
17 May 2026
Verb
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The backstory South America’s largest city sprawls as far as the eye can see with towers and highways, which explains how this part of town (not the most central) has become a hub for meetings.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
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But drivers wouldn’t immediately see that full amount shaved off their bills under a suspension.—
Wyatte Grantham-Philips,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Did either network know Krakowski was double dipping?—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
15 May 2026
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Sark knows the Texas football team isn't there for academics, or at least, the starters.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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The lawsuits filed on Tuesday accuse Nicor Gas and the building's management company of failing to properly respond after residents reported smelling natural gas hours before the explosion.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
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The entire tourism industry takes a hit when its postcard beaches are piled high with foul-smelling seaweed.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Soon, survey crews showed up, bulldozers were spotted along dusty roads, and the Army Corps of Engineers arranged private meetings.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
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Neapolitan pizza is characterized by a round, soft dough with a very thin center and a high, airy crust spotted with bits of char.—
Lauren Schuster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceive. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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