PENETRATION Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

penetration

noun

Definition of penetration next

as in sensitivity

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 penetration This formula delivers these ingredients to the surface layer of your skin via Perricone MD's proprietary liquid crystal delivery, a system that allows for faster and deeper penetration of key ingredients. —

Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 29 Oct. 2024 Over the next four years, its menu penetration is expected to rise 9.6%. —

Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024 This design from Beauty by Earth can also help with lymphatic drainage and works to press moisturizers, serums and balms into the skin for deeper penetration. —

Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2024 Iranian fears about Israeli penetration of its upper ranks stretches back years. —

Samia Nakhoul and Laila Bassam, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for penetration

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetration

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