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
Bats do not rely only on vision and instead use echolocation to perceive the world.
—
Nitin Sanket, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026
Those familiar with Minnelli’s chaotic late period might be surprised to learn that she was initially perceived as a pillar of stability.
—Matt Weinstock, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
In this conflict, Lamarck perceived his opportunity.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Back in December 2025, Nacua apologized after making a gesture widely perceived to antisemitic during a livestream with influencer Adin Ross.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceive
Nitin Sanket, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026
Those familiar with Minnelli’s chaotic late period might be surprised to learn that she was initially perceived as a pillar of stability.
—Matt Weinstock, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
In this conflict, Lamarck perceived his opportunity.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Back in December 2025, Nacua apologized after making a gesture widely perceived to antisemitic during a livestream with influencer Adin Ross.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceive
Verb
-
Soft, adjustable lighting, outdoor rain showers with peepholes framing the scenery, incredibly comfy poolside daybeds, super-crisp sheets, open-plan bathrooms with capacious closets—everything works, but nothing feels forced or superfluous.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The Charlotte Hornets found the wrong kind of déjà vu Sunday, losing a home game to the Boston Celtics that never really felt close.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Even her 8-year-old daughter has noticed the impact on the family's spending.—
Da Lin,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Increasingly, human resources departments noticed that applicants used the résumé to tell white lies, and even bigger fibs, listing fictitious degrees, fake promotions and other embellishments.—
Stephen Mihm,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
New transparency tools aim to help travelers understand disruptions and reduce frustration during delays and cancellations.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
And to have a guy like him who understands what the competition looks like on the floor, but is still here to kind of enhance the environment, help celebrate his teammates, give his teammates wisdom.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Travelers familiar with last year's egg-flation might sense what's coming -- escalating prices, but this time on flights, not omelets and frittatas.—
ANDREA SACHS THE WASHINGTON POST,
Arkansas Online,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Someone senses something is wrong — unstable snow, deteriorating conditions, a risky route — but speaking up means challenging the plan and slowing everyone down.—
Jane Sadowsky,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Malikah Auguste, a ninth-grader at Cristo Rey and an intern with Miami Lighthouse, saw the impact the visit had on her classmates.—
Christina Mayo,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Whizzing by the moon up to 6,000 miles above the surface, the astronauts will also glimpse the celestial body's full disk, seeing sights that not even the Apollo astronauts witnessed.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The judge assigned to Amin’s case was Iman Afshari, known in Tehran for his tough sentences—a reputation that led the European Union to place him on a blacklist, in January, for human-rights abuses.—
Cora Engelbrecht,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
But Bella knows academic success isn't enough on its own.—
Robbie Owens,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Booth visitors will be able to smell and look at plants from the Theodore Payne Foundation and learn how native plants can not only save water but also support local wildlife such as bees, birds and monarch butterflies.—
Lisa Boone,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
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Their flowers smell like tuna, and they're banned in numerous states.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Here's where hummingbirds have been spotted so far this year and how to attract them to your garden.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
In what’s become typical Knicks fashion, the team wearing orange and blue spotted the Rockets a 12-1 lead to start the game — 10 coming from Kevin Durant, who finished with 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting from the field.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceive. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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