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
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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
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
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The single-minded obsession with Mamdani’s talk of affordability, while convenient for the mayor-elect and a vital part of his appeal, also misses an obvious point.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
10 Nov. 2025
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Could the Cavs tinker just a little more to take advantage of his efficiency and obvious talent, even when everyone else is healthy?—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Over time, the bird became woven into Thanksgiving tradition and ultimately became the unmistakable symbol of the holiday.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The song became a global feminist anthem, and the video a touchstone for her unmistakable style.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Prince Harry apologized for his apparent support of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2025 World Series.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Watson, in an apparent spur-of-the-moment remark, announced that the project would devote 3 to 5 percent of its budget to the study of bioethics.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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But Bode's pointed delivery, and the reaction of the crowd, suggested that the comment carried an evident double meaning in the current political climate.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Nov. 2025
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This is evident in their signature programs, such as those that recognize excellence among teachers, coaches, and healthcare workers, as well as initiatives that bring the community together to enjoy great local restaurants on the firm’s tab.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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According to Blair, the two members on shift would often organize alternative sleeping rotas that left just one individual with a straightforward password and all the power.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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In straightforward and compelling prose, Sammy, then 40, tells the story of his vaudeville beginnings, his growth as an entertainer, and his movement through America.—
Questlove,
The Atlantic,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Hours before kickoff on Monday, the three-time NFL defensive player of the clear sent a clear plea to YouTube TV and ESPN.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
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Nowhere was that clearer than in midfield, where the complementary attributes of Freddie Potts, Lucas Paqueta and Mateus Fernandes provided a well-balanced engine room.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Formed by rolling up sheets of atoms, these hollow tubes exhibit unique behaviors distinct from bulk materials due to their nanoscale dimensions.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Nov. 2025
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Her bubbly, non-threatening stage persona, paired with her cutting jokes and roasts, feels distinct in her body of work.—
Rima Parikh,
Vulture,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perspicuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perspicuous. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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