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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun perception differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of perception are acumen, discernment, discrimination, insight, and penetration. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

Where would acumen be a reasonable alternative to perception?

The synonyms acumen and perception are sometimes interchangeable, but acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

When is it sensible to use discernment instead of perception?

While the synonyms discernment and perception are close in meaning, discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

When could discrimination be used to replace perception?

Although the words discrimination and perception have much in common, discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

When might insight be a better fit than perception?

In some situations, the words insight and perception are roughly equivalent. However, insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When is penetration a more appropriate choice than perception?

The words penetration and perception are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of perception But even if decades of research has shown that synthetic colors are safe, PepsiCo has to weigh public perceptions, Grzeda said. Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025 When looking at political party affiliations, however, the perception of which side is more likely to commit political violence is dramatically different. Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025 Ahmed does a really good job of centering the relation of a person in the relation of objects with each other and the orientation with how the perception of these structures changes the way one interacts with the world. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025 Instead, reality always appeared through the architecture of our perception. Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perception
Noun
  • Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Throughout the day, as the professor’s thoughts cascade from Dostoyevsky to YouTube fitness influencers, nearly every one of Castro’s acerbic, unfiltered paragraphs contains a bristling insight about literature, weight lifting, or academic politics.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Owners should practice patience and understanding, as well as learning to recognize any signs of fear or anxiety in their new pet.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Another red flag could be an advisor who pushes products without a firm understanding of your goals, risk tolerance and timeline.
    Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The document aims to provide clarity and accuracy in reporting, addressing contemporary issues and nuanced terminology with precision and sensitivity.
    Nashville Tennessean, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The Franco-Canadian and former senior executive at Natixis Asset Management will also need to be mindful of the far right’s budget sensitivities given their readiness to try collapsing the government once more.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As parents know, this can translate to a boundless appreciation of toys.
    Emily Glover, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
  • And, while their approaches are very different, one thing that Nuno and Postecoglou have in common is an appreciation of a player with versatile qualities.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perception. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perception

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