1
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences
due to their ability to rotate their ears, cats are very perceptive when it comes to pinpointing the source of a sound
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wise
having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge
a perceptive therapist was able to discover what was really troubling the youth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of perceptive
Mark O’Halloran’s psychologically and emotionally perceptive screenplay, based on Owen Martell’s semi-fictionalized novel, Intermission, never gets into specifics about the length of time the two musicians have known each other or the depth of their friendship.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
Yet an outstanding cast, scripts that are perceptive about grief and remorse, and Hennie’s impressionistic directing more than make up for it.
—Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
Yes, for sure, and that’s a very perceptive question (and that was a very perceptive and generous review, thank you for it).
—Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
There are no easy answers to these questions, but Fogelström posed them in an early and perceptive fashion.
—Colton Valentine, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceptive
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
Yet an outstanding cast, scripts that are perceptive about grief and remorse, and Hennie’s impressionistic directing more than make up for it.
—Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
Yes, for sure, and that’s a very perceptive question (and that was a very perceptive and generous review, thank you for it).
—Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
There are no easy answers to these questions, but Fogelström posed them in an early and perceptive fashion.
—Colton Valentine, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptive
Adjective
-
His sloped shoulders suggested bodily power that was sleepy and sly; his large head and dark, badly cut hair amplified the weight and solidity of him, but his lips were sensitive and a little slack, as if yearning for something he’d been long deprived of.—
Mary Gaitskill,
New Yorker,
22 Feb. 2026
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Derived from eucalyptus wood, the material is gentle on sensitive skin, manages moisture, and has a silky, luxe texture.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Time-wise, utilizing multiple fields can potentially be more efficient to getting off the field quickly.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Feb. 2026
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The Galaxy will be wise not to overwork Reus this season.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But few, apart from salivating tech company executives, are particularly keen on the idea.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
19 Feb. 2026
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Fortunately, no shots were fired, nothing escalated, and the 20-year-old man was disarmed thanks to the keen eye of an off-duty Sacramento detective.—
Tori Apodaca,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Otherwise, the prudent approach seemingly would be developmental, to build for a better future.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
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One factor was investments in human capital, coupled with prudent economic policies.—
Nicholas D. Kristof,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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First, in-house manufacturing meant that its product development process took around 18 months, while competitors using third-party manufacturers could move at a much quicker pace.—
Kathryn Hopkins,
Footwear News,
17 Feb. 2026
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In fact, one of the couples who were engaged had their pod love story mostly shown as a quick montage of conversations before they got engaged.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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As insightful immigrants have often done, Lorant held up a mirror to the values and history dear to this country.—
Mark B. Pohlad,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
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Conversations about finances can be fun and lead to insightful lessons about your partner’s financial values and goals.—
Adriana Morga,
Fortune,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
According to Murray, the problem is particularly acute in Miami-Dade County.—
Brianna Mantaras,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The need for solutions is acute as costs for families continue to rise.—
Robert Duffy,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptive. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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