acuity
noun
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Do you have acuity or sensitivity?
Acuity is nearly synonymous with at least one sense of sensitivity, yet, as is so often the case with closely related words, there are subtle differences worth observing before you substitute one of these words for the other. Acuity does refer to a form of sensitivity, but it is most often applied to the perceptual senses (as in “visual acuity” or “auditory acuity”). It is also frequently used in reference to the intellect (as in “mental acuity”). Sensitivity has a broader range of meanings than acuity does, including “the capacity of being easily hurt.” It may be used of inanimate objects such as radios (“the sensitivity of the instruments was carefully calibrated”), a context in which acuity is unusual.
Synonyms
Examples of acuity in a Sentence
R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 31 Oct. 2024
Trump allies and the former president himself continued attacks on Harris' acuity at a rally in New York Sunday.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024
Her argument is partly that the 78-year-old Trump has lost mental acuity on account of his advanced age, as was the chief line of attack that pushed President Biden from the race.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024
The crew described sensations of rare clarity and acuity brought on by the sheer scale of risk.
—Cullen Murphy, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for acuity 
Dictionary Entries Near acuity
Cite this Entry
“Acuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acuity. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.
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acuity
noun
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acuity
noun
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