INSIGHT Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'insight' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of insight are acumen , discernment , discrimination , penetration , and perception . While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy. // a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

Q: When is 'acumen' a more appropriate choice than 'insight'?

While in some cases nearly identical to insight , acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment. // a director of reliable box-office acumen

Q: Where would 'discernment' be a reasonable alternative to 'insight'?

Although the words discernment and insight have much in common, discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art). // the discernment to know true friends

Q: When could 'discrimination' be used to replace 'insight'?

In some situations, the words discrimination and insight are roughly equivalent. However, discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent. // the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

Q: When would 'penetration' be a good substitute for 'insight'?

The words penetration and insight can be used in similar contexts, but penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial. // lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

Q: When can 'perception' be used instead of 'insight'?

While the synonyms perception and insight are close in meaning, perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling). // a novelist of keen perception into human motives

insight

noun

ˈin-ˌsīt

Definition of insight next

as in wisdom

the ability to understand inner qualities or relationships a therapist with real insight into people's personalities

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How does the noun insight differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of insight are acumen, discernment, discrimination, penetration, and perception. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When is acumen a more appropriate choice than insight?

While in some cases nearly identical to insight, acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Where would discernment be a reasonable alternative to insight?

Although the words discernment and insight have much in common, discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

When could discrimination be used to replace insight?

In some situations, the words discrimination and insight are roughly equivalent. However, discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

When would penetration be a good substitute for insight?

The words penetration and insight can be used in similar contexts, but penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

When can perception be used instead of insight?

While the synonyms perception and insight are close in meaning, perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

Examples of insight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Gaga shed insight into her thought-process behind the video on Instagram stories earlier on Tuesday. —

Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2024 But the most interesting insight came from the company’s subsequent earnings call. —

Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024 Virginia Carter, the feminist activist who was hired by Norman Lear to advise him on social issues and marginalized groups, providing insight the famed TV producer would use for plotlines and characterizations in his provocative shows, has died. —

Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Oct. 2024 Discipline and acting on insight, not impulse, will pay off. —

Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insight

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insight.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.