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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 Other main themes that guests can find in Guidi’s work are the relationship between space and light, between the solidity of architecture and the fleeting nature of the instant, between urban space and individual perception, between material traces and memory. Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 20 June 2025 The perception by fans as the season began was that the Orioles didn’t spend enough this offseason to improve the team. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 20 June 2025 Beyond shaking up the current valuation landscape, this deal redefines how the Lakers will be perceived moving forward, shaping the franchise's perception for years, if not decades, to come. Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 Our culture places immense importance on communality, leading to the perception that a different stance is a sign of pathology. Dr. Rami Kaminski, Time, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for perception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perception
Noun
  • Mann recently took to TikTok to share insight into the experience, striking a chord with athletes and dreamers alike.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 21 June 2025
  • In the meantime, Trump must pay attention to the insights provided by rival camps in his MAGA universe: the isolationism of Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson versus the interventionism of Mark Levin and Laura Loomer.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Scientific objectives include gaining an understanding of the Reiner Gamma swirl mini-magnetosphere region and its magnetic and plasma properties. TBD, 2025: Blue Origin New Glenn carrying Blue Moon Mark 1 (MK1), a single-launch, lunar cargo lander that remains on the surface.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2025
  • Against this backdrop of inflated expectations and deflating results, a more nuanced understanding has emerged from those like LeCun, who've spent decades wrestling with the actual mechanics of intelligent systems.
    Gabriel Snyder, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Thanks to an extended frequency range, high sensitivity drivers and good temperature tolerance, these IEMs have a sound signature that’s closer to the type of sound produced by expensive electrostatic and planar-magnetic models.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • The official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the talks, said Trump believes the immediate threat from Iran has been neutralized and that Netanyahu understood the U.S. position.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • That’s because stock is only taxed when it’s sold, and not on its appreciation in value; activists like the protesters in Venice this week want that to change.
    Phoebe Liu, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Montano expressed appreciation for $5 million worth of federal grants that will be used to improve local intersections and school zones.
    Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perception. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perception

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