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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 Jun Fukai, director of global sales and development at TBS Holdings, shared some insights on the show’s development and execution. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025 On her podcast, Rose shared her intention to provide insight into the realities of being a wrestler for WWE, pointing to the sacrifices required that come along with the job. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 To Begin Developing This Trait: Encourage your teams to question and validate their assumptions while remaining receptive to unexpected insights that emerge from their analysis. Ben Jones, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 While historians have debated many of Ariès’ specific claims, his central insight remains powerful: Our modern understanding of childhood as a distinct life stage characterized by play, protection and freedom from adult responsibilities is a relatively recent historical development. Anna Mae Duane, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insight
Noun
  • This shift is not a sign of decline but rather a maturation process that leads to wisdom—the kind of knowledge that has kept human societies thriving for millennia.
    Talia Milgrom-Elcott, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Persuaded by the wisdom of all this, Queen Morgaise relents with a smile — but also leaves Elaida at the White Tower to monitor the situation.
    Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Once again, Mexico seemed to have an understanding of how to manage a testy Concacaf game.
    Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
  • By better understanding how the AAC organizes vocal output in budgerigars, researchers hope to gain new insights into human speech disorders, such as aphasia and Parkinson’s disease, which can impair a person’s ability to produce language.
    Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This sensitivity to swings in rates is known as duration.
    Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Additionally, most drinks are stirred— a subtle yet intentional decision that maintains the ambiance and cultural sensitivity.
    Chelsea Davis, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Though local laws and policies may not be able to directly impact foreign relations, city and state leaders can still use their platforms to modify public perception of global issues and form international partnerships that propel mutually beneficial economic growth.
    Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • As autonomous driving and conversing with your vehicle increase, your perception of it changes, posits Wagener.
    Sean Evans, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Many programs help large numbers of students and early-career individuals, but mentorship is unique and requires investment and discernment.
    Jean-Pierre Conte, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • If an old flame appears out of nowhere, use your discernment and don’t let this take away from your hard work and day-to-day rituals.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Moretti's aware of Ariel's intellect and always wants to be one step ahead of her, making for an enthralling game of cat and mouse.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The versatile Chestnut, 56, leads with intellect, charm and six-pack abs as Dr. John Watson, the beloved colleague of the apparently deceased Sherlock Holmes, in CBS' modern series.
    Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In this sense, artificial intelligence remains quite unlike, and less capable than, human intelligence.
    Rob Toews, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • This is similar to the previous point about looking outward, but with a sharper focus on competitor intelligence.
    John Cairney, Sportico.com, 22 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 28 Mar. 2025.

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