Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective perspicuous differ from other similar words?

The words clear and lucid are common synonyms of perspicuous. While all three words mean "quickly and easily understood," perspicuous applies to a style that is simple and elegant as well as clear.

a perspicuous style

When is clear a more appropriate choice than perspicuous?

While the synonyms clear and perspicuous are close in meaning, clear implies freedom from obscurity, ambiguity, or undue complexity.

clear instructions

When might lucid be a better fit than perspicuous?

In some situations, the words lucid and perspicuous are roughly equivalent. However, lucid suggests a clear logical coherence and evident order of arrangement.

a lucid explanation

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 perspicuous But where Hofstadter is playfully enigmatic and brashly brainy, Chalmers’s writing is perspicuous and teacherly — an approach that keeps it from collapsing into recalcitrant obscurity. Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2022 Conditions in the state the planes left behind them were far less perspicuous. The Economist, 8 Feb. 2020 The president began his Monday by scrutinizing his national security briefing, filling its margins with perspicuous questions and observations. Eric Levitz, Daily Intelligencer, 10 July 2017 Unspoken but perspicuous is the wish to (at worst) score points off Democrats and (at best) free up a seat on the nation’s most important appeals court for a nominee from the Federalist Society weapons locker. Garrett Epps, The Atlantic, 12 May 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perspicuous
Adjective
  • Trent Frederic is going to be a very popular guy if the Bruins decide to sell, but old friend Nico Sturm would be an obvious target if the answer above is yes. 23.
    Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Doohan faces Colapinto questions There were two obvious topics facing Alpine drivers Jack Doohan and Pierre Gasly.
    Luke Smith, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The entire capsule collection features quirky touches evocative of Johnson’s idiosyncratic and unmistakable approach to fashion.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 24 Feb. 2025
  • And so the passion that the Japanese fans have for the game of baseball (was unmistakable).
    Jayson Stark, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • That danger was apparent when formaldehyde in plywood used to build temporary trailer homes for victims of Hurricane Katrina sickened dozens of people.
    Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • It’s been apparent in the last several years that the number of corporate CMOs is going down.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Yes, the story is straightforward, but the answers are not.
    David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The rationale is straightforward: since the administration has eliminated the CEQ regulations, and agency regulations were based on them, agencies should now align their procedures with the new CEQ framework.
    James Broughel, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • His impact is evident in the works of countless artists who cite him as a foundational inspiration.
    Shirley Halperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
  • In fact, sensuality is its muse, which is evident in the aphrodisiac-esque notes.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The clear back lets the iPad's design come through, and while the display cover can fold into the same two viewing angles, covering the screen actually puts it to sleep here.
    Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Too many people view the risks of illness from the vaccine as outweighing the risk of getting measles itself, and what’s abundantly clear now is that the risk of getting measles is increasing.
    Megha Satyanarayana, Scientific American, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This is classic mosaic evolution, where different parts of the anatomy evolve at distinct rates.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Resisting the label of fusion, Twitty describes the dish as an homage to flavors that highlights the intersections between distinct culinary traditions.
    Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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