perspicuity 1 of 2

perspicuous

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective perspicuous differ from other similar words?

The words clear and lucid are common synonyms of perspicuous. While all three words mean "quickly and easily understood," perspicuous applies to a style that is simple and elegant as well as clear.

a perspicuous style

When is clear a more appropriate choice than perspicuous?

While the synonyms clear and perspicuous are close in meaning, clear implies freedom from obscurity, ambiguity, or undue complexity.

clear instructions

When might lucid be a better fit than perspicuous?

In some situations, the words lucid and perspicuous are roughly equivalent. However, lucid suggests a clear logical coherence and evident order of arrangement.

a lucid explanation

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 perspicuity
Adjective
But where Hofstadter is playfully enigmatic and brashly brainy, Chalmers’s writing is perspicuous and teacherly — an approach that keeps it from collapsing into recalcitrant obscurity. Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2022 Conditions in the state the planes left behind them were far less perspicuous. The Economist, 8 Feb. 2020 The president began his Monday by scrutinizing his national security briefing, filling its margins with perspicuous questions and observations. Eric Levitz, Daily Intelligencer, 10 July 2017 Unspoken but perspicuous is the wish to (at worst) score points off Democrats and (at best) free up a seat on the nation’s most important appeals court for a nominee from the Federalist Society weapons locker. Garrett Epps, The Atlantic, 12 May 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perspicuity
Noun
  • Letters may be edited for length and clarity, and may be published in any medium.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hague lamented the rush to reach a deal in the absence of any obvious pressure on Russia but with an intense focus on obtaining for the U.S. the mineral wealth of Ukraine.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Still, Strider was frustrated for obvious reasons and searching for answers.
    David O'Brien, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Resembling in color a smooth pebble after heavy rains, the calfskin leather holder has but one compartment and one back pocket — taking it back to the basics and accentuating simplicity.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • That simplicity feels so apt for this show, There's enough here: The production is simple and sweet, while Jonas and Warren exude a certain magnetism.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Immediate Action Required: The urgency is unmistakable.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • His speech contained an unmistakable warning for Bolsonaro.
    Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • To a casual observer, the difference between o1 and o1-pro might not be immediately apparent, yet the performance gap in business tasks can be substantial.
    Andrew Filev, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • That was apparent during their weekend series at Progressive Field against the reigning American League Central champion Guardians.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her journey so far on Season 27 of the series has not been straightforward.
    Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Opening a Swiss bank account is fairly straightforward but has to comply with strict U.S. disclosure laws.
    Robert Frank, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Political representatives are sensitive to elections, as is evident in the close races in Florida on April 1.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The fact that Affleck and Lopez have been committed to staying close with each other’s kids has been evident since the early days of the divorce rumors.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The email should be approximately 250 words, maintain a confident but not technical tone, emphasize the business benefits rather than technical specifications, and include a clear call to action for scheduling a demo.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The pattern is clear, and the list of terminations is growing.
    Angel Algarin, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perspicuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perspicuity. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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