Definition of perspicuousnext

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 perspicuous 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 perspicuous
Adjective
  • Sure enough, all tires were up and there were no obvious punctures or hissing sounds.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 28 June 2026
  • One of the first obvious things was that Larry is the guy who told Lincoln to go see that play.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Statue of Liberty, multiple films This unmistakable statue has been a symbol of welcome to immigrants entering New York’s harbor since it was given to the United States by France in 1886.
    Jennie Yabroff, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • The drivers will speed past landmarks including the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art and the National Archives, creating a course that blends technical challenge with an unmistakable and historic backdrop.
    Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Two men were found unresponsive with apparent gunshot wounds.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 28 June 2026
  • The potential perils of this were apparent in Delaware, where a Caesar Rodney impersonator was manning the booth (the Caesar Rodney Institute was the sponsor).
    Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Eiglarsh added that while the suffering of the families was evident throughout the trial, the defense successfully argued that the crash was a tragic accident.
    Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • As part of this shift, Cuban officers are opting to train soldiers in guerrilla tactics rather than conventional warfare — a strategic departure corroborated by Cancian that is also evident in the footage.
    Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • When asked what works to prevent the chaotic scenes that sometimes dominate news coverage, the youths had a straightforward answer.
    Darius Johnson, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • While embryo screening carries relatively less ethical baggage than embryo editing, even screening alone is not always ethically straightforward.
    Paul Knoepfler, STAT, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Emergency crews continue to assess the situation in different parts of the country, while authorities are expected to provide a clearer picture in the coming hours regarding material damage, injuries and possible fatalities.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
  • There’s clear evidence that some of the links between larger climate patterns in the atmosphere are being altered by climate change, Trenberth said.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Both Kalshi and Polymarket argue that trading on their platforms is distinct from gambling.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • Schneider also has some distinct tattoos, including a cherry blossom on her right thigh, stylist scissors on her left inner forearm and a flower on the top of her left foot.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perspicuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perspicuous. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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