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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
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • Additionally, capturing and analyzing vast amounts of data enables a better understanding of customer behavior at a granular level and provides invaluable information for making decisions about content and timing.
    Dane Matheson, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • The actor slash producer took the position in January and spent the last six months getting a better understanding of the industry structures in place at TIFF, both to continue to deliver programs that are already considered successful and to be able to tweak whatever wasn’t fully working.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • The department will not be releasing additional details about the case because of its sensitivity and the victim’s age, according to the release.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 14 June 2025
  • Organizations must embrace: • Responsiveness over rigidity • Continuous learning over static optimization • Signal sensitivity over status reporting This isn’t hypothetical.
    Gowtham Chilakapati, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • After a grueling two-day manhunt, Vance Boelter, the suspect accused of shooting two Minnesota state lawmakers, was captured and Minnesota lawmakers and the governor are expressing their appreciation for those who are helping bring him to justice.
    Christina Shaw, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025
  • Instead, Bring Sunscreen for All-Day Wear $19 $14 at Amazon Living in the Sunshine State has given me a whole new appreciation for sunscreen.
    Terri Peters, Parents, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perception. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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