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 of insight in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web 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
  • The former New York Giants quarterback will impart wisdom about how his skills under center have translated to the boardroom.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Many in Democratic circles questioned the wisdom of Barack Obama calling out Black men for being lukewarm on Harris out of latent sexism.
    Philip Eliott / Detroit, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • That is to say, fiction should, to my mind, slightly eclipse the author’s own understanding of it.
    Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
  • Arnon Mishkin, the head of Fox News’ decision desk, told Axios last week that the network would do more to ensure its anchors and viewers have a clearer understanding of why races are being called.
    Hadas Gold, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • But, grounded by the strength and sensitivity Guaita brings to the lead role, this Like Water for Chocolate is something at least as precious: a melodrama whose extreme emotions are tied to incisive ideas.
    Judy Berman, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Those of us with sensory sensitivity (which is most of us, plus anyone dealing with fatigue, anxiety or pain) find that commuting dramatically drains our reserves.
    Nancy Doyle, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • How have Chinese perceptions of Trump changed since he was last elected in 2016?
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Still, a central issue in both Bay Area recalls is the perception among many voters that violence and property crime are out of control.
    Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • 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
  • Sotheby’s, known for exclusivity and discernment, recently announced a significant long-term partnership with Chivas Brothers.
    Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • With a gifted intellect and a solid work ethic, her genuine kindness truly sets her apart.
    Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Digital capitalism thrives on exploiting users’ time, intellect, and data.
    Gerui Wang, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Russia, in particular, has been pushing false conspiracies that election officials are coordinating fraud, intelligence officials said.
    Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
  • In the final weeks, U.S. intelligence officials have attributed to Russia multiple fake videos alleging election fraud in presidential swing states.
    Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 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 14 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on insight

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