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
-
Thus, the article stressed that the Chinese navy must urgently address these risks, offering an unusually detailed proposal for a systematic crash-response plan, drawing lessons from US Navy salvage practices to improve readiness and protect sensitive technology.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Feb. 2026
-
The Skechers Aero Razor harnesses the explosive benefits of superfoam while maintaining a sensitive, stable ride.—
Cory Smith,
Outside,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This show has been so amazing for us, not just friendship-wise and getting so close to each other, but also being a part of something that people love.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
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The sad thing is the Dolphins, in a wise effort to build the trenches during the past two years, have used lots of draft capital (left tackle Patrick Paul was a 2024 second-round pick and left guard Jonah Savaiinaea was a 2025 second-round pick) in that area.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But few, apart from salivating tech company executives, are particularly keen on the idea.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
19 Feb. 2026
-
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
-
Otherwise, the prudent approach seemingly would be developmental, to build for a better future.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
-
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
-
At the annual celebration of all things indie, the coffee brand has teamed up with filmmaker and content creator Reagan Yorke, who will join IW’s own Christian Zilko on the blue carpet and then inside the show for insightful (and caffeinated) interviews with all of our favorite talents.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Uh, but all my guests over 80 are my most insightful, most humbling guests.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
11 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 21 Feb. 2026.
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