PERSPICACITY Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

perspicacity

noun

Definition of perspicacity

as in intellect

an ability to notice and understand things that are difficult or not obvious She had the perspicacity to recognize the underlying problem.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 perspicacity And our unity with divine Mind endows each of us with the intelligence, spiritual insight, and perspicacity to make sound decisions, including consenting to receiving all the good God has prepared for us. — Karen Neff, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Apr. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perspicacity

Noun

Here was a juicy alleged scandal involving two big names, a public intellectual and an actor publicly known for her intellect.

— Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
Our embodied experience often notices shifts before our intellect explains them.

— Angela Cusack, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of intellect

Noun

These consumer preferences also reflect Wrangler’s sustainability goals, while trying to meet consumer price sensitivities.

— Catherine Salfino, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
Parent Erika Flores pointed to the school’s program for students with autism, noting that many of these children, including her son, have sensory issues that could heighten their sensitivity to odors from cremation.

— Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of sensitivity

Noun

An Israeli military source told CNN the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had gathered intelligence on Turkey’s plans to deploy personnel, drones and air-defense systems at the site.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
The dissident, Siamak Tadayon Tahmasbi, had been accused by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence of directing terrorist plots tied to Israeli intelligence.

— Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of intelligence

Noun

The park still doesn’t have power, internet or phone lines after Lala swept by last week, and many of its employees are still recovering from the storm.

— Tyler Ory, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
The events have all had a Trumpian flair, featuring appearances from his friends and the aim of showcasing spectacle, Americana and power.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of power

Noun

In its evaluation, the committee cited the film’s polished craftsmanship and the clarity of its directorial vision, pointing to the tone and mise-en-scène that sustain a sense of pressure throughout the story.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
To channel this sense of joyful minimalism, pair a bold color with playful accents, rich textures, and meaningful décor that brings personality to the space without overwhelming it.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of sense

Noun

Cignetti has tapped into a distinctly Hoosier brand of team pride, which proves that his acumen is just as strong off the football field as on it.

— Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 28 Jan. 2026
The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.

— Creg Stephenson | [email protected], al, 20 Jan. 2023

Definition of acumen

Noun

The pair came away from that incident, and more subtle slights (like having to wait 20 minutes to be seated in a mostly empty restaurant), with a better understanding of each other.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Price and Felton each took steps this offseason in their schematic understanding and trustworthiness as pass catchers.

— Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of understanding

Browse Nearby Words

perspicacious

perspicacity

perspicuity

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Perspicacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perspicacity. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of perspicacity

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

kith

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 28

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes