1
as in sensing
to have a vague awareness of
I thought I perceived a problem, but I wasn't sure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in noticing
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 knowing
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 perceiving
Reading, a way of perceiving ideas through the eyes of others, increases empathy and community, noted one professor.
—
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2026
But that would depend on the animals perceiving the temperature shift—and having the capacity to do things differently.
—Elizabeth Preston, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
The model is better than predecessors at creating spreadsheets, building presentations, perceiving images, writing code and understanding long context, OpenAI said.
—Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Shifting gears, rather than perceiving AI as a competitor, budding therapists would be wise to perceive AI as a collaborator.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
In 2024, Nepal ranked 107th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, with 84% of people perceiving government corruption to be a major problem.
—Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
Chronic pain usually results from your nervous system perceiving an area of instability in your body.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Gabby dislikes Sebastian, perceiving him as an entitled womanizer.
—EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025
This tricks our brains into perceiving the moon as bigger when near the horizon rather than high overhead — however, the moon of course exhibits the same angular size in both locations.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2026
But that would depend on the animals perceiving the temperature shift—and having the capacity to do things differently.
—Elizabeth Preston, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
The model is better than predecessors at creating spreadsheets, building presentations, perceiving images, writing code and understanding long context, OpenAI said.
—Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Shifting gears, rather than perceiving AI as a competitor, budding therapists would be wise to perceive AI as a collaborator.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
In 2024, Nepal ranked 107th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, with 84% of people perceiving government corruption to be a major problem.
—Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
Chronic pain usually results from your nervous system perceiving an area of instability in your body.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Gabby dislikes Sebastian, perceiving him as an entitled womanizer.
—EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025
This tricks our brains into perceiving the moon as bigger when near the horizon rather than high overhead — however, the moon of course exhibits the same angular size in both locations.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceiving
Verb
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This diabetic-alert dog who saved his owner's life after sensing a blood sugar drop from outside a school building.—
Kelsey Monstrola,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
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Like Smith, Eisenberg — who is an adviser to Legacy — reports sensing curiosity among men.—
Annalisa Merelli,
STAT,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This could include asking questions about when patients are noticing their hives (after a hot shower or after being in the sun, for example), or asking patients to keep a symptom diary.—
Zia Sherrell,
Health,
20 Feb. 2026
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But many are also noticing who’s devastated by the news these days and who isn’t.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The challenge is knowing how to find one.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
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Not knowing the location of the subject of the restraining order can delay that.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Neighbors confirmed seeing local police and FBI agents at the home in the suburban community of Southwest Ranches.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Relative humidity will remain in the 30% to 40% range on Wednesday and Thursday, with Friday seeing a return to normal dry season humidity of around 60%.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Even Wilder was completely engaged, spotting colorful beadwork and laughing as Alvin played.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026
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Coyotes are a familiar presence in the foothills around Pasadena, Altadena and Burbank, where residents have grown accustomed to spotting the animals in streets and on doorstep cameras.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The answer begins with understanding a trade chart — a diagram that assigns a numerical value to every pick in the draft.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2026
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Monica doubts this highbrow Brit is capable of understanding Reggie’s rags-to-riches-to-infamy tale.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Before the game, Eldridge discussed feeling more comfortable and in rhythm this spring.—
Haley Smilow,
Mercury News,
22 Feb. 2026
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Infused with argan oil and linseed extract (and very little else), this oil immediately softens, detangles, conditions, and dials up shine—without ever feeling heavy or slick.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This loss hurts Mizzou’s tournament chances Mizzou remains in a tough situation regarding the NCAA Tournament.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
22 Feb. 2026
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The claims regarding Meta and YouTube are somewhat different, as are the companies’ defenses.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perceiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceiving. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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