1
2

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 According to an Axios Harris Poll of public perceptions of the 100 most visible U.S. companies, Tesla is the 95th most popular American brand. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025 Brushing, flossing, and using a tongue scraper can remove bacteria and improve taste perception. Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 28 May 2025 But if enhancing sensory perception and relaxing into the moment are your goals, cannabis could offer a different kind of aphrodisiac experience. Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 27 May 2025 However, two-thirds of Americans recognize that being a K-12 teacher is harder than most jobs, indicating a perception gap between the two groups. Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for perception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perception
Noun
  • Historical Odds of Positive Post-Earnings Returns for Gap Some insights on one-day (1D) post-earnings returns: There are 19 earnings data points documented over the past five years, with 14 positive and 5 negative one-day (1D) returns recorded.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Scholars and journalist have tried to glean insight into his thinking by reading his speeches and writings and going through archival tape.
    Emily Feng, NPR, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Brands need to develop a deeper understanding of the media consumption habits and cultural nuances of diverse audiences to connect authentically and build lasting relationships.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Which is to say, of course teen movies reflect the times in which they are made and society’s contemporaneous understanding of what Kids Today are like (wholesome or delinquent, risk-taking or anxious, horny or … horny).
    Lisa Schwarzbaum, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Still, 70% of our business has some degree of traffic sensitivity.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 29 May 2025
  • The band is asking for a heightened level of sensitivity.
    Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Gordon noted an appreciation for the architecture of the building, including nods to the elevated tracks and trains that previously ran through the area.
    Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
  • She’s been a front row guest at Balenciaga, Chloé and Rabanne during Paris Fashion Week, and her appreciation of fashion is growing.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 23 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perception. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perception

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!