Thesaurus

perception

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of perception

1 the ability to understand inner qualities or relationships

a writer of considerable perception, she remembers how it feels to be confused and insecure

Synonyms of perception

discernment, insight, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sapience, wisdom

Words Related to perception

acuity, acumen, astuteness, clear-sightedness, keenness, penetration, percipience, perspicacity, sensitivity, understanding

appreciation, apprehension, comprehension, grasp

brain(s), braininess, brightness, brilliance, canniness, cleverness, gray matter, intellect, intelligence, judgment (or judgement), mentality, power, reason, sense, smartness, wit

discrimination, foresight, foresightedness, judiciousness, prudence, sanity

logic, rationality

Near Antonyms of perception

density, dullness (also dulness), obtuseness

brainlessness, folly, foolishness, idiocy, imbecility, mindlessness, silliness, simplemindedness, simpleness, stupidity, witlessness

illogic, irrationality, unreasonableness, unsoundness

craziness, insanity, lunacy, madness

preposterousness, senselessness, zaniness

2 the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something

a growing perception of the enormity of the problem

Synonyms of perception

appreciation, apprehension, comprehension, grasp, grip, hold, percipience, understanding

Words Related to perception

absorption, assimilation, digestion, uptake

conception, visualization

awareness, consciousness, enlightenment, realization

Near Antonyms of perception

misapprehension, miscomprehension, misinterpretation, misperception, misunderstanding

Antonyms of perception

incomprehension, noncomprehension

Synonym Discussion of perception

discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind. discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

- the discernment to know true friends

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

perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

- a novelist of keen perception into human motives

penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

- lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

- a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

- a director of reliable box-office acumen

Learn More about perception

See words that rhyme with perception Dictionary: Definition of perception Medical Dictionary: Definition of perception Spanish Central: Translation of perception Nglish: Translation of perception for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of perception for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about perception

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up perception? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments

WORD OF THE DAY

belfry

a bell tower