penetration

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun penetration differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of penetration are acumen, discernment, discrimination, insight, and perception. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," 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 is it sensible to use acumen instead of penetration?

The words acumen and penetration can be used in similar contexts, but acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

When would discernment be a good substitute for penetration?

The synonyms discernment and penetration are sometimes interchangeable, but discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

When is discrimination a more appropriate choice than penetration?

In some situations, the words discrimination and penetration 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 can insight be used instead of penetration?

The meanings of insight and penetration largely overlap; however, insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When could perception be used to replace penetration?

The words perception and penetration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 penetration The Commission will monitor the evolution of all types of wireless charging technologies (not only inductive), particularly market developments, market penetration, market fragmentation, technological performance, interoperability, energy efficiency and charging performance. David Phelan, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 Vehicle owners are responsible for ensuring that their vehicle's software is up to date to prevent vulnerability penetration and fix recalls. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 In the coming years, increased EV penetration inevitably means greater power demand. Justin Worland, Time, 28 Mar. 2025 By leveraging Pakistan’s growing smartphone penetration, insurers can create mobile-first solutions that eliminate traditional barriers to access. Murtaza Ali, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penetration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetration
Noun
  • While price sensitivity doesn’t usually affect luxury buyers, as previously explained by Randall Holcombe, professor of economics at Florida State University, to WWD, some other factors can impact the sale of Swiss brands in the U.S., including fear of a recession and market volatility.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Listerine Clinical Solutions Sensitive Teeth Get tooth sensitivity relief with Listerine Clinical Solutions Sensitive Teeth Mouthwash.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • What To Know The U.S. announced another surprise trade update in a memorandum of understanding on Friday, exempting smartphones, computers and chips from its 145 percent tariff rate on Chinese goods.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Her approach emphasizes deep understanding and practical applications, helping clients effectively gain clarity about their emotional experiences.
    Lauren Carpenter, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.
    Creg Stephenson | cstephenson@al.com, al, 20 Jan. 2023
  • But Lord knows, there’s a mountain of acumen and perspicacity or, in plain terms, good horse sense stored in those minds and souls.
    Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Jan. 2023
Noun
  • But others have questioned Trump’s health, especially his mental acuity, and Democrats made a go of turning it into a campaign issue last fall.
    Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The leadup to the 2024 presidential election was marked with frequent speculation about then-President Joe Biden's physical health and mental acuity.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • According to Sweet, consumers' perception of inflation has historically been driven by food and gasoline prices, as opposed to U.S. trade policies.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • While overall perceptions of the value of college degrees have dropped roughly 5% over the last year, the majority of the respondents, across all ages, races and political affiliations, said at least one degree — associate or bachelor's — is valuable.
    Janet W. Lee, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The event, organized by Media Partners Asia, continues its focus on insights, partnerships, and the shifting content marketplace.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Documenting changes in marine ecosystems: With its advanced lidar technology, the Navigator captures temporal changes in marine environments, offering insights into how human activity and climate change are reshaping aquatic ecosystems.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The researchers found that, surprisingly, tapping – either on its own or along to a beat – delivered better speech comprehension, while just listening to a beat without a physical response was not as impactful.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This boldness is informed by a profound comprehension of capabilities and a steadfast commitment to pushing boundaries.
    Lori Huss, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • More recent events sent me back to the novel itself, and to a new respect for Lewis’ percipience about Americans’ vulnerability to the blandishments of political charlatans, and about his oracular vision of how a fascist takeover would unfold.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2021
  • Readers knew to expect in a Flanigan column percipience and foresight, expressed in graceful, unaffected prose.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2021

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Cite this Entry

“Penetration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penetration. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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