PERCEPTION Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'perception' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of perception are acumen , discernment , discrimination , insight , and penetration . While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling). // a novelist of keen perception into human motives

Q: Where would 'acumen' be a reasonable alternative to 'perception'?

The synonyms acumen and perception are sometimes interchangeable, but acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment. // a director of reliable box-office acumen

Q: When is it sensible to use 'discernment' instead of 'perception'?

While the synonyms discernment and perception are close in meaning, discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art). // the discernment to know true friends

Q: When could 'discrimination' be used to replace 'perception'?

Although the words discrimination and perception have much in common, 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 might 'insight' be a better fit than 'perception'?

In some situations, the words insight and perception are roughly equivalent. However, insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy. // a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

Q: When is 'penetration' a more appropriate choice than 'perception'?

The words penetration and perception are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial. // lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

perception

noun

pər-ˈsep-shən

Definition of perception next

as in insight

the ability to understand inner qualities or relationships a writer of considerable perception, she remembers how it feels to be confused and insecure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in understanding

the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something a growing perception of the enormity of the problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun perception differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of perception are acumen, discernment, discrimination, insight, and penetration. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

Where would acumen be a reasonable alternative to perception?

The synonyms acumen and perception are sometimes interchangeable, but acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

When is it sensible to use discernment instead of perception?

While the synonyms discernment and perception are close in meaning, 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 perception?

Although the words discrimination and perception have much in common, 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 might insight be a better fit than perception?

In some situations, the words insight and perception are roughly equivalent. However, insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When is penetration a more appropriate choice than perception?

The words penetration and perception are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

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 perception As women of color, the duo sought to create a brand that shifted perceptions around wine’s unapproachable stiff upper lip culture, setting their sights on a diverse array of consumers, including young people, people of color and mothers. —

Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 16 Jan. 2025 Closing legal arguments were made Thursday in the case, which will in part be a test of the public perception of the press, and CNN in particular, after years of being demonized by President-elect Donald Trump and his acolytes. —

Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 Trump ordered Reynolds and the Park Service - which oversees the National Mall - to provide new images from its own photos taken that day to correct the perception that Trump's inaugural crowd was smaller than Obama's. —

Tim Reid, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025 Still, many houses want to avoid the perception of either working with packagers or packaging themselves, so as to attract prestigious authors and dodge accusations of predatory contracts. —

Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for perception

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perception

Noun

But as the rookie quarterback and his Washington Commanders prepare for Saturday’s showdown with the Detroit Lions, three men with insight into Daniels’ situation are paying attention.

Ben Standig, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
They were asked for insights on topics that are near and dear to travelers’ hearts, including food, nightlife, culture, affordability, livability and the overall city vibe.

Karla Cripps, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025