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
However, the Secret Service must vigorously investigate any situation or individual, regardless of position or status, that could pose or be perceived as posing a threat to any of our protectees.
—
Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2025
Those who perceive this total control are prone to paranoia, leaving them mistrustful and lonely, while those who seek to profit from it are dragged into depravity.
—Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
For a company that purports to be all about putting the customer first, the allegations laid out in the FTC case struck at the heart of how Amazon leaders want the world to perceive it.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
Jack and Shirley, who married in 1956 and divorced in 1975, weren't who many perceived them to be, their son says.
—Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perceive
Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2025
Those who perceive this total control are prone to paranoia, leaving them mistrustful and lonely, while those who seek to profit from it are dragged into depravity.
—Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
For a company that purports to be all about putting the customer first, the allegations laid out in the FTC case struck at the heart of how Amazon leaders want the world to perceive it.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
Jack and Shirley, who married in 1956 and divorced in 1975, weren't who many perceived them to be, their son says.
—Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perceive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceive
Verb
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Professional ambitions feel at odds with relationship needs.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
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So when McCoy jumped a route and intercepted a pass from Appalachian State quarterback AJ Swann on Saturday night, seeing nothing but 26 yards of open blue turf and the orange end zone ahead of him, the ensuing pick-six felt like a pressurized balloon was burst.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In August, a single-engine Piper PA-28 crash landed on southbound Interstate 805 in Sorrento Valley after the pilot noticed the engine was sputtering and losing power.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Sep. 2025
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For almost the entire bloated two-hour run time, Black keeps his foot on the accelerator in the hope that audiences won’t notice the haphazard, barely logical plotting.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The first two abbreviations are easy enough to understand.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Wilson understood the concerns of both local officials and residents and thanked them for meeting with his team to discuss the idea.—
Noe Padilla,
IndyStar,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Chiefs put up 33, 34 and 35 points, all while Brown sensed an aura from the team across from him.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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The same quantum sensing tech is now entering hospitals.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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East Ridge High School’s football stadium was a riot of color and noise early Friday evening, a near-capacity crowd excited to see the host Raptors meet Metro East Conference rival Mounds View.—
Tris Wykes,
Twin Cities,
27 Sep. 2025
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So Instacart is reviewing orders from last October to see what might be filling trick-or-treaters’ bags across the country this year.—
Robert Abitbol,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Head and the Heart is an American indie folk band formed in Seattle who are known for their harmonious vocal blends and heartfelt lyrics.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 Sep. 2025
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According to Hays, who is representing Richard and Holly, no such conspiracy existed, and whether or not Richard and Holly knew whether the money went to boys’ ranches is irrelevant, since Baker’s case was focused on violating estray laws, not any financial motivation.—
Mitch Moxley,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Even the room, with its various plants and florals done up in towering arrangements, smells fresh and bright.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
26 Sep. 2025
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This smells strongly of rotten eggs.—
Nate Anderson,
ArsTechnica,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The animosity between the two boiled over when suspicions grew among the Joneses that Brandon was Marty Baker’s secret informant, after a Skeet associate spotted Brandon and Baker having lunch together in Mentone.—
Mitch Moxley,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
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Police said drones were spotted near the Karup air base in western Denmark, Reuters reported, citing Ritzau News agency.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceive. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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