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
The brilliant and perceptive first lady was immediately impressed by the queen.
—
Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 15 Apr. 2026
Still, these are minor faults compared to an enjoyably harsh yet perceptive look at the psychology of Silicon Valley elites.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2026
Muniz's Malcolm talks to the camera, as does Leah (Keeley Karsten), Malcolm's equally gifted and perceptive teen daughter.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026
Madelyn is remarkable — capable, perceptive, and thriving.
—Dr. Joseph D'orazio, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceptive
Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 15 Apr. 2026
Still, these are minor faults compared to an enjoyably harsh yet perceptive look at the psychology of Silicon Valley elites.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2026
Muniz's Malcolm talks to the camera, as does Leah (Keeley Karsten), Malcolm's equally gifted and perceptive teen daughter.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026
Madelyn is remarkable — capable, perceptive, and thriving.
—Dr. Joseph D'orazio, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perceptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptive
Adjective
-
Auditors typically treat unattributable privileged actions as accountability gaps, because the framework expects sensitive operations to trace back to an accountable individual rather than an autonomous system.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
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In addition, some companies and governments may pair that with quantum key cryptography, particularly for highly sensitive information.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Virgos are patient, kind, and wise like Sundown.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
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The two candidates who advance to the general election would be wise to offer Californians a hope for the future that doesn’t call back to our yesterdays.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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Both countries are keen to boost that number, though where the White House’s red line is drawn — particularly around cutting-edge tech and AI components — will be key.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
14 May 2026
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So there’s been keen interest in McConaughey’s strategy.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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To those who disagreed with him, Adams was a tireless pest trying to force his views onto more moderate and prudent men.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
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The new northbound camera also could capture unlawful right turns on red by drivers who fail to stop or who turn in a manner the city describes as not careful and prudent.—
Theo Karantsalis,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
When the puck finally dropped on the fifth and deciding game of the semifinal series, Minnesota came out flying with yet another quick start, pinning Montreal into its own zone for most of the opening 10 minutes.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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Both audiences and platforms are quick to reject content that feels like advertising.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Ferrer’s memoirs are nuanced and deeply insightful, if sometimes a little too close to hagiography.—
Hadley Hall Meares,
Vanity Fair,
15 May 2026
-
And the observations, questions, and assertions in our articles are varying degrees of surprising, insightful, and amusing.—
Vulture Editors,
Vulture,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
When Danh was initially hospitalized overseas on April 9, doctors diagnosed her with acute liver failure, among other serious health issues.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
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So that may be kind of the most acute pain point for travelers, but the summer storms are still going to be coming.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptive. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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