PENETRATION Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of penetration are acumen , discernment , discrimination , insight , and perception . While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," 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 is it sensible to use 'acumen' instead of 'penetration'?

The words acumen and penetration can be used in similar contexts, but acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment. // a director of reliable box-office acumen

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

The synonyms discernment and penetration are sometimes interchangeable, but discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art). // the discernment to know true friends

Q: When is 'discrimination' a more appropriate choice than 'penetration'?

In some situations, the words discrimination and penetration 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 can 'insight' be used instead of 'penetration'?

The meanings of insight and penetration largely overlap; however, insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy. // a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

Q: When could 'perception' be used to replace 'penetration'?

The words perception and penetration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling). // a novelist of keen perception into human motives

penetration

noun

Definition of penetration next

as in sensitivity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun penetration differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of penetration are acumen, discernment, discrimination, insight, and perception. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," 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 is it sensible to use acumen instead of penetration?

The words acumen and penetration can be used in similar contexts, but acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

When would discernment be a good substitute for penetration?

The synonyms discernment and penetration are sometimes interchangeable, but discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

When is discrimination a more appropriate choice than penetration?

In some situations, the words discrimination and penetration 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 can insight be used instead of penetration?

The meanings of insight and penetration largely overlap; however, insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When could perception be used to replace penetration?

The words perception and penetration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of penetration Jones had only one sack this season, but his ability to get penetration and disrupt plays is a key aspect of Baltimore’s physical defensive line. —

Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025 Mexico has unveiled yet another slate of tariffs on foreign goods to start the year as the country aims to keep a better eye on products from Asia shipped within its borders—potentially adding another hurdle for Shein and Temu in their penetration of the North American e-commerce market. —

Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 3 Jan. 2025 Others prefer doggy style or other positions involving penetration from behind. —

Suzannah Weiss, Glamour, 29 Dec. 2024 Techniques like penetration testing and ongoing vulnerability assessments are critical in maintaining device security. —

Christian Espinosa, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for penetration

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetration

Noun

Due to the sensitivity of health information, the hacking of healthcare provider data can cause severe concerns among the general public and various stakeholders.

— Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
Their piquant sensitivity and horror have no equal in Millennial literature and journalism, which have become merely, rabidly politicized — so very socialist and anti-American that today’s media throws its hands up at the L.A. conflagration.

— Armond White, National Review, 31 Jan. 2025