Synonym Chooser

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

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 insight For further insight into what's heading to Hulu throughout March, check out the complete list below. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025 Here, answers to these questions and more, with expert insights from Kylie Carlson, the CEO of the International Academy of Wedding & Event Planning, Alison Cheperdak, founder of Elevate Etiquette, Zola, and Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette by Anna and Lizzie Post. Brooke Bobb, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2025 But the matter also opens more insight into how Americans view Mr. Trump's approach. Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2025 Here’s my behind-the-scenes insight (15 nuggets) on the Jimmy Butler saga and trade talks. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insight
Noun
  • Their blueprint—proximity to problems, building a long-term approach, hope-building, erasing the self, and welcoming change—offers wisdom for addressing challenges from corporate boardrooms to community organizations.
    Tarun Galagali, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Cass Goodner, in his wisdom, did not share their enthusiasm.
    Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Think of the persistence of a Christian understanding of American identity.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Two people can go into a room, have a conversation and emerge with a completely different understanding of what took place inside that room.
    Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Imagine living within the confines of four walls mostly in silence because of brain fog and sound sensitivity.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Now, researchers at OHSU have developed a blood test that can identify early-stage pancreatic cancer with high sensitivity and specificity.
    Michael Irving, New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • There’s a difference between risk and risk perception, Kiernan said.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025
  • By mastering storytelling, startups can shape public perception, create buzz, and gain a competitive edge – whether the myth aligns with reality or not.
    Dileep Rao, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • With balance and discernment, this transit could be surprisingly productive for your creative endeavors and mystical pursuits.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Diligence, discernment and trust are your greatest allies.
    Azure Erickson, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Despite also being the planet that rules over transportation, Mercury is most often referred to as the planet of intellect.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
  • This movement made known the intellect and talent of Black people and influenced future movements demanding the equal rights that Black people deserved.
    Shantay Robinson, ARTnews.com, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • We're not limited to making suggestions in the boardroom; our (ideas) extend deeply into an enterprise's daily operations, encompassing brand building, channel expansion, marketing, insights into consumer trends, digital transformation and the establishment of business intelligence systems.
    Russell Flannery, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • But the main obstruction in that regard had been the reckless Justice Department policy of preventing intelligence agents and criminal investigators from communicating.
    Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Yet Schrader seems insensitive to the sorrow and sagacity that John Huston made palpable in his adaptation of Under the Volcano by another Canadian author, Malcolm Lowery.
    Armond White, National Review, 25 Dec. 2024
  • For decades, Americans believed that the various democratic safeguards rooted in the court system, the media, and civic norms allowed the country to navigate federal-state tensions with sagacity.
    Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 6 Sep. 2022

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Cite this Entry

“Insight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insight. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

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