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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun perception differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of perception are acumen, discernment, discrimination, insight, and penetration. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

Where would acumen be a reasonable alternative to perception?

The synonyms acumen and perception are sometimes interchangeable, but acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

When is it sensible to use discernment instead of perception?

While the synonyms discernment and perception are close in meaning, 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 perception?

Although the words discrimination and perception have much in common, 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 might insight be a better fit than perception?

In some situations, the words insight and perception are roughly equivalent. However, insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When is penetration a more appropriate choice than perception?

The words penetration and perception are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

Examples 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 perception As women of color, the duo sought to create a brand that shifted perceptions around wine’s unapproachable stiff upper lip culture, setting their sights on a diverse array of consumers, including young people, people of color and mothers. Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 16 Jan. 2025 Closing legal arguments were made Thursday in the case, which will in part be a test of the public perception of the press, and CNN in particular, after years of being demonized by President-elect Donald Trump and his acolytes. Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 Trump ordered Reynolds and the Park Service - which oversees the National Mall - to provide new images from its own photos taken that day to correct the perception that Trump's inaugural crowd was smaller than Obama's. Tim Reid, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025 Still, many houses want to avoid the perception of either working with packagers or packaging themselves, so as to attract prestigious authors and dodge accusations of predatory contracts. Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for perception 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perception
Noun
  • Still, these comparisons can offer valuable insights into broader patterns of segregation and access.
    Sergio Hernandez, ProPublica, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Read on for their expert insights into how to overcome 14 of the most pressing challenges facing companies seeking to hire top talent.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The attack, analysts say, was a reflection of the ascendancy of hard-line leaders in the group advocating for violent conflict over long-term understandings with Israel.
    Adam Rasgon, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The lack of public understanding about the large number of local residents already involved, often including disaster victims themselves, can lead to an influx of outsiders eager to help.
    James Kendra, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Interpreting well requires strengths in cultural sensitivity, listening, and quick thinking.
    George Bradt, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Start with a low concentration, pair it with a rich hand cream for hydration, and always follow up with sunscreen since retinol can increase sun sensitivity.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Yet not a sound emerges from the baying mob, which has been instructed to pantomime their appreciation noiselessly.
    Charlie Campbell, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Actress and comedian Mindy Kaling, 45, who is friends with Teigen and husband John Legend, 46, added her own appreciation of Luna.
    Clare Fisher, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near perception

Cite this Entry

“Perception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perception. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perception

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