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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 Nira Data's latest report revealed a stark change from 2024, when average perceptions of the U.S. were more positive than negative, and significantly better than China and Russia. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025 The trailer teases a scene in which Lois enthusiastically takes Clark up on his offer to interview him as Superman and proceeds to grill him on public perception. Nick Romano, EW.com, 14 May 2025 This only reinforced the perception that women like her did not fit the norm of the heroic White, male mountaineer. Jenny Hall, CNN Money, 14 May 2025 The overview effect is a phenomenon known to occur for those lucky enough to travel beyond the bounds of our gravity well, in which the view of our planet from space changes one's perception of his or home planet and humanity. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for perception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perception
Noun
  • After completing a cleaning cycle, users receive a 2D map of the pool’s layout and cleaning paths, offering insights into the areas covered.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • That kind of clarity – knowing what matters, and acting on it – demands both insight and courage.
    Eric Mosley, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • And the clear understanding on the part of Spielberg of what Stanley Kubrick used to call the submersible units of narrative.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 20 May 2025
  • Without mutual understanding, both can feel unseen or misunderstood.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Common effects include nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2025
  • In one analysis, participants who slept less than six hours for several nights experienced hormonal changes that increased appetite, decreased insulin sensitivity and elevated cortisol levels (the stress hormone that, in excess, can impair immunity and gut function).
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • One is an artistic mastermind with striking vampiric looks who has used his intimate appreciation of avant-garde composers like Karlheinz Stockhausen to elevate a popular art form to the realm of greatness—and the other fronts a band called the Bad Seeds.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 12 May 2025
  • Managing assets for routine distributions emphasizes an area less critical for long-term investors only seeking capital appreciation with indefinite holding periods: income.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perception. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perception

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