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
Rather, the able New York Sen. William P. Seward was perceived as the favorite, despite electability concerns amongst the delegates over his strong opposition to slavery.
—
Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025
Finally, at the Holistic level, leaders perceive systems in their entirety, integrating opposites, transcending paradox, and innovating by embracing complexity.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 17 May 2025
The aroma is generally perceived as less pronounced in drinking water.
—Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 16 May 2025
In an August 2024 episode of Dinner’s on Me, Ferguson spoke about how he was perceived differently following his role on the show.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for perceive
Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025
Finally, at the Holistic level, leaders perceive systems in their entirety, integrating opposites, transcending paradox, and innovating by embracing complexity.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 17 May 2025
The aroma is generally perceived as less pronounced in drinking water.
—Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 16 May 2025
In an August 2024 episode of Dinner’s on Me, Ferguson spoke about how he was perceived differently following his role on the show.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for perceive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceive
Verb
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The flashy sequences of violence feel apt for TV (Netflix, along with Steven Spielberg’s production outfit and the Obamas’ media company, is working on a series), but the novel’s real draw is the quieter ache of a family torn apart.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2025
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Have no doubts, Ancelotti will feel as at home in Brazil as in Italy.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Verb
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Dempsey-Beggs’ boss noticed her nervousness and pulled her aside, asking what the alarm was.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
18 May 2025
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He's also noticed that workers often shovel coal in bouts, working hard in teams of two or three, and then all taking breaks together.—
Jonathan Lambert,
NPR,
18 May 2025
Verb
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The realtor also pulled permits to help determine a timeline of events to understand when some of the damage occurred.—
Meredith Wilshere,
People.com,
19 May 2025
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To understand what’s at stake amid the NNSA’s workforce woes, USA TODAY interviewed current and former agency officials and reviewed decades of watchdog reports, safety records and other official documents.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
Verb
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The sympathetic nervous system is activated when the body senses a threat, and the adrenal glands release cortisol.—
Helen Carefoot,
Verywell Health,
16 May 2025
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Babies can often pull off some pretty astonishing stuff—like sensing emotions and understanding math—according to several studies.—
Leslie Garisto Pfaff,
Parents,
15 May 2025
Verb
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The South African government has also been a vocal defender of Palestinians in Gaza who have seen their homes destroyed and access to food cut off by the Israeli military, a position that’s frustrated Trump administration officials.—
Brian Bennett,
Time,
22 May 2025
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But the company said shoppers may still see price hikes as early as July.—
Serenah McKay,
Arkansas Online,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Barnett is best known for his participation in the first season of Love Island USA, which premiered in 2019.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
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On May 9, a swarm of what are believed to be Africanized honey bees, also known as killer bees, attacked and killed three horses in Comanche, Texas, just about 50 miles southeast of Eastland.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Some smelled it, licked it, or took tiny nibbles around the edges.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2025
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That’s especially true in today’s highly supervised childhoods, where many young kids’ sights, smells, and tastes are entirely prescribed by adults.—
Faran Krentcil,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2025
Verb
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Emotional unavailability isn’t always easy to spot.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
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It’s covered in canvas that is easy to spot clean, and the seat cushion is removable and reversible.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceive. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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