perspicuity 1 of 2

perspicuous

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective perspicuous differ from other similar words?

The words clear and lucid are common synonyms of perspicuous. While all three words mean "quickly and easily understood," perspicuous applies to a style that is simple and elegant as well as clear.

a perspicuous style

When is clear a more appropriate choice than perspicuous?

While the synonyms clear and perspicuous are close in meaning, clear implies freedom from obscurity, ambiguity, or undue complexity.

clear instructions

When might lucid be a better fit than perspicuous?

In some situations, the words lucid and perspicuous are roughly equivalent. However, lucid suggests a clear logical coherence and evident order of arrangement.

a lucid explanation

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 perspicuity
Adjective
But where Hofstadter is playfully enigmatic and brashly brainy, Chalmers’s writing is perspicuous and teacherly — an approach that keeps it from collapsing into recalcitrant obscurity. Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2022 Conditions in the state the planes left behind them were far less perspicuous. The Economist, 8 Feb. 2020 The president began his Monday by scrutinizing his national security briefing, filling its margins with perspicuous questions and observations. Eric Levitz, Daily Intelligencer, 10 July 2017 Unspoken but perspicuous is the wish to (at worst) score points off Democrats and (at best) free up a seat on the nation’s most important appeals court for a nominee from the Federalist Society weapons locker. Garrett Epps, The Atlantic, 12 May 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perspicuity
Noun
  • This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
    Steve Inskeep, NPR, 8 May 2025
  • This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • But the ‘Harry Potter’ films, ‘Lord Of The Rings,’ ‘Schindler’s List,’ ‘Mission Impossible,’ ‘Gladiator,’ ‘Aviator’ and so many more are U.S films that shot overseas for obvious reasons.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • True to form, the Wiz system is way cheaper than the Philips Hue version without any obvious compromises (to my eye).
    Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • The simplicity of pressure washing leads many to dismiss it as a side hustle rather than a scalable business.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
  • For minimalist interior designers, there’s beauty in simplicity and restraint.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There's no official announcement time during a conclave, but there is one unmistakable signal: white smoke.
    Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
  • Indeed, her portraits are unmistakable: characterized by saturated backdrops, tactile surfaces, and a deep reverence for Nigerian studio photography traditions that elevate her sitters to mythic status.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Despite some apparent limitations in the group, there’s a dual purpose to their playing time.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
  • On their way home to Melbourne, Cave claims their meal at a local pub was interrupted by an apparent interaction with Cage.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Overall, this is straightforward, with a finish that is a touch light Enjoy over the next 2-4 years.
    Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • On the surface, this was a straightforward inquiry.
    Kelly Iko, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Nowhere was this more evident than at Stanford, where federal defense contracts and research funding supported a culture of innovation that helped create Silicon Valley.
    Sarah Kreps, Foreign Affairs, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Regardless of the threat, its evident that our surface area of exposure increases as AI adoption scales and trust, will become the new currency of AI adoption.
    Sol Rashidi, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The goal was clear: to address everyday concerns like sensitivity, razor bumps, and discoloration—issues all too common in melanin-rich skin.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 29 Apr. 2025
  • That did not stop Mr. Trump, whose message was clear: Opposing him publicly means risking punishment at the hands of the federal government.
    Jonathan Swan, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perspicuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perspicuity. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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