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
  • But before checking for ripeness, start by inspecting the pineapple for any obvious signs of damage or spoilage, including bruising, soft spots, wrinkled skin, or dry, brown leaves.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
  • This is an obvious chips-in move for them after their half-court offense face-planted against the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • The pattern is unmistakable: just as Enron triggered SOX, AI governance failures will trigger mandatory expertise requirements.
    Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • The symbolism of the decision to target this base—the same one that U.S. President Donald Trump visited only two months ago during his tour of Gulf states, and one located in a country that maintains close ties to and shares an offshore gas field with Iran—is unmistakable.
    Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Other Demographic Differences Women’s second fall persistence rate (79.3%) exceeded that of men (76.3%), continuing a trend that’s been apparent for several years.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Birdsong’s apparent beanball came in the exact time and place that the unwritten rules prescribe: two outs, bases empty, first pitch.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Turchin family’s lifelong passion for art and design was evident across all the rooms.
    Kate Van Dyke, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
  • That reality is evident almost just from the scale.
    Justin Worland, Time, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The data is pretty straightforward: Ticket prices just keep getting more expensive.
    Alex Sherman, CNBC, 19 June 2025
  • Setup was straightforward, the sideboard was well padded and close to fully set up.
    Briana Feigon, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • This simple, clear shift in communication started to highlight the reality of who was contributing what.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • To help guide you through the rest of summer and beyond, dermatologists help break down what body acne is, how to treat it, and the best kinds of products to have in rotation for smoother, clearer skin all over.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • While the divergence between the two is fair, its explanation lies elsewhere: Investor valuations and retail prices differ because they are driven by distinct fundamentals and considerations.
    Thibault Adrien, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Regardless of how the Fendi role shakes up, Chavarria is leaving a distinct mark on the global fashion industry.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perspicuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perspicuous. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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