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

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 insight For travel tips, recipes and more insight on Italian culture, sign up for CNN’s Unlocking Italy newsletter. Barbie Latza Nadeau and Antonia Mortensen, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 And as industries are constantly evolving, events must constantly introduce fresh insights, ideas and innovations to its regular mix. Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2024 With the Harris-Trump contest in mind, The New York Times offers insights about how long the seven swing states will take to tally ballots. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 The study suggests audience impact varies by sport, skill, and audience behavior, offering insights into the role of audiences in home-field advantage. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insight 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insight
Noun
  • Entrepreneurship is the very definition of defied wisdom.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Selena Gomez is sharing some special words of wisdom she’s received from her peers.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Don’t let negativity or lack of understanding stand in your way.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • The team used the same strontium isotopes that were used to date the DNA samples to get a better understanding of the diversity and origins of Pompeii’s residents.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The results point to Asian Americans’ sensitivity to the issue of crime and safety due to the uptick of anti-Asian hate during the height of the pandemic that many feel went unaddressed, experts say.
    Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Days after, Karter still had a headache, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and noise.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • In others, children and their parents answer questions about their perceptions and expectations of the recovery process.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • The brisk pace of crime-solving leaves more time for this episode to stretch out a bit with the ongoing plot strands of Captain Wagner’s concerns about workplace morale and his team’s perception of him as a leader, and Kaya and Elsbeth’s friendship.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Artistic emphasis dramatically shifts away from an object’s traditional role of delivering specific meaning and toward a viewer’s individualized discernment.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
  • Bask in your creative talents and natural charisma, but be sure to channel this energy with discernment as Mars will eventually station retrograde in December.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Sting blends charisma, intellect and sonic sophistication on his tour.
    Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 18 Oct. 2024
  • Meaningful work is a magnet for maximizing a leader's effort, intellect, emotional and social intelligence.
    Tony Gambill, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Today, such a contest would be made all the more unpredictable given the complexity and ambiguity of measuring progress toward something so abstract as intelligence.
    Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
  • The second episode illustrates the scope of the resources and intelligence operation required to identify and attempt to hunt him down.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • 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
  • Over the centuries and across cultures, it’s symbolized everything from sagacity to black magic.
    New York Times, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near insight

Cite this Entry

“Insight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insight. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on insight

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