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 perspicuous 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 perspicuous
Adjective
  • The impetus behind the spending boost—hundreds of billions of dollars in two separate packages—is obvious.
    David Axe, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Porsha’s very obvious absence.m As the party moves outside for the big surprise, Shamea gets the ultimate birthday flex—a Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In an age of standardized luxury, the resort stands apart – a testament to the power of family, the beauty of authentic hospitality and the unmistakable excellence that comes from a deep love of place and people.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Broadcast’s reach advantage is north of 20 million homes; toss a rage-bait draw like the Blue Devils into the mix and last year’s results are going to take on the unmistakable contours of a fluke.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The advanced lifting technique — which has become a favorite of specialist surgeons for its apparent longer lasting results — not only repositions the top layer of skin (known as an endoscopic facelift) but also the complex network of tissue and fibrous muscles below.
    Leah Dolan, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
  • No rhyme, reason, or apparent causality except that computers are just [unprintable expletives].
    Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For You Sigma's move for a more basic, straightforward interface extends to the autofocus system.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Although Baytown does not have any historical affinity with aerospace, its location on the water offers far more straightforward access to Relativity's test facilities in Mississippi and its launch site in Florida.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • It has been reported that President Trump has since asked Bannon to mend fences with Musk — and signs of that thaw were evident in his conversation with Newsom.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
  • And the poverty which is evident on the streets is reflected in the country’s economic data.
    Sverre Alvik, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The long-term ramifications of these cuts remain to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Department of Education is facing a period of significant upheaval.
    Scott White, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • To be clear: A recession isn’t around the corner, but the threats are rising.
    David Goldman, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite sounding the same, the sewing and cooking meanings may have distinct origins but evolved similarly in English.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Being a woman in the clothing industry in the late 1980s allotted Walker a distinct space in the global fashion conversation.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perspicuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perspicuous. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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