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 next phase of growth will be fuelled by the expansion of connected TV and home broadband penetration. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025 On subjects ranging from photography to murder trials, there is a thrilling psychological penetration in her descriptions, a brisk rigor to her thinking, a superb confidence in her own opinions. Katie Roiphe Samantha Desz Krish Seenivasan Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025 Kansas struggled to stop the Wildcats’ dribble penetration and dribble handoffs. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 8 Feb. 2025 Mapped polyurethane overlays add abrasion and penetration resistance to key areas, while low-wear areas go without the protection in order to maintain breathability. Wes Siler, Outside Online, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penetration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetration
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
  • 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
  • And that requires a deeper understanding of behavior: how trust is built, how loyalty is earned, and how people and partners respond to meaningful signals in their environment.
    Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 21 Mar. 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
  • With George’s mental acuity in question, Sheila is subpoenaed to testify in front of the Zero Day Commission oversight committee.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Her humor and acuity become an instinctual armor against a world that seldom recognizes, let alone comprehends, what she’s been through.
    Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • As autonomous driving and conversing with your vehicle increase, your perception of it changes, posits Wagener.
    Sean Evans, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2025
  • According to a new survey, negative perceptions of esports are a thing of the past.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • By providing tools that streamline data workflows, Corral empowers organizations to make informed decisions, uncover insights, and drive strategic initiatives.
    Andrea Wasserman, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Newsletter Get the lowdown on L.A. politics Sign up for our L.A. City Hall newsletter to get weekly insights, scoops and analysis.
    Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • It is borne of a need to believe in something beyond what can be explained, a longing for proof that some force beyond our comprehension exists.
    Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Whether indulging in fiction, philosophy, poetry, or non-fiction, many readers find that cannabis enhances comprehension and engagement.
    Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 24 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Penetration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penetration. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on penetration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!