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 Phillips credits high-profile endorsements from athletes and celebrities—Tom Brady, Andy Roddick, Harry Styles, and Cristiano Ronaldo all come to mind—which has helped to shift the general perception of the style of training. —

Max Berlinger, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2024 In addition to its essential role in initiating movement and controlling voluntary motor behavior, studies have implicated M1 in the modulation of pain perception. —

New Atlas, 5 Dec. 2024 The perception that a foreign policy that privileges diplomacy is weak stems from a misunderstanding—namely, the idea that diplomacy seeks to end conflicts without demanding reparations or accountability, thereby seeding future conflicts. —

Nancy Okail, Foreign Affairs, 3 Dec. 2024 But experts caution that these results leave an inflated perception of the models’ mathematical reasoning skills. —

Byzack Savitsky, science.org, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perception

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perception

Noun

This score helps users track health trends and receive actionable insights for improvement.

Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
Berlinale regular Ira Sachs will return with Peter Hujar’s Day, starring Ben Wishaw and Rebecca Hall, a feature based on a 1974 conversation between photographer Hujar and his friend Linda Rosenkrantz, offering insight into the New York art scene.

Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024