as in clarity
clearness of expression
the perspicuity of this author's prose is one of the reasons why her novels are still read and those of her contemporaries are gathering dust
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
believing that poetry need not be as perspicuous as prose, he writes poems that are intentionally ambiguous
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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.—
Lisa Boone,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
There was no obvious precipitating event, but the encroachment of Grok seemed foreboding.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
-
What is obvious is the Dolphins aren’t going the Wizards route.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Something about the simplicity of that, coupled with the canyon’s display of deep time, reminded me how small and temporary my own existence was, and therefore how precious.—
Rosecrans Baldwin,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Some approaches to astrophotography emphasize simplicity and portability, while others reward patience and precision.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Bunbury’s unmistakable voice weaves through a tapestry of blues, country, and rock, anchored by a nostalgic guitar that evokes both longing and resolve.—
Tere Aguilera,
Billboard,
13 Mar. 2026
-
In the glass, the results are unmistakable.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Parker was the second person to die in sheriff’s custody this year, and the first apparent suicide in more than two years.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
-
The influence is apparent even among non-evangelicals.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The talent is evident from the jump, but Sarkisian spoke about more than sprinter’s speed and making contested catches when he was asked about Coleman.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The influence of the titan of modern design, Le Corbusier, is evident in Niemeyer’s Palácio da Alvorada, for example, which was the official presidential residence; in the Congresso Nacional; and in the Catedral Metropolitana de Brasília, the site of presidential inaugurations.—
Sophia La Banca,
JSTOR Daily,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The most straightforward solution to the current crisis is for Congress to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).—
Jackson Shedelbower,
Oc Register,
11 Mar. 2026
-
As models walk their final runways and editors catch evening flights out of Paris Fashion Week, this week’s standout beauty looks appear almost deceptively straightforward.—
Arden Fanning Andrews,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Take a long walk without earbuds and clear a corner for reflection today, because insight blooms when your mind feels unhurried and private.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Vantor’s images, taken on March 11, provide a clear view of the damage.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perspicuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perspicuity. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
