penetration

noun

Definition of penetrationnext
as in sensitivity

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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

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 penetration Analysts have often said an attack on Iran’s nuclear program could trigger such a move, even though Israeli intelligence penetration of the country appears deep enough to detect it. —Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 13 June 2025 Alternative to drip irrigation: If drip irrigation isn’t an option, use a soaker hose, which releases water slowly along its length, allowing for deeper water penetration and less waste. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Conduct penetration testing of third-party platforms to reveal vulnerabilities before integration. —Steve Durbin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The first bomb was dropped at a 45-degree angle to maximize penetration. —Jeff Goertzen, Oc Register, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for penetration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetration
  1. sensitivity
  2. understanding
  3. acumen
  4. acuity
  5. perception
  6. insight
  7. comprehension
  8. percipience
Noun
  • Months later, with no reference to the test, teens who scored highest in the traits of impulsiveness, sensation-seeking, hopelessness or sensitivity to anxiety were invited to participate in two 90-minute workshops.
    — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 7 July 2025
  • Along the same lines, postmenopausal skin can become thinner, drier and more prone to bruising or sensitivity, Kanwal says.
    — Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 7 July 2025
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • And since then, the North Koreans have gained crucial battlefield experience and understanding of how to engage in electronic warfare.
    — Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Our sight has to be informed with a broader understanding of context, history, and the individual.
    — Will Potter July 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
Definition of understanding
Noun
  • The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.
    — Creg Stephenson | [email protected], al, 20 Jan. 2023
  • But Lord knows, there’s a mountain of acumen and perspicacity or, in plain terms, good horse sense stored in those minds and souls.
    — Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Jan. 2023
Definition of acumen
Noun
  • The charismatic, 46-year-old Moore would be a welcome respite for a party still bedeviled by Biden’s legacy-defining decision to seek reelection despite mental and physical acuity problems.
    — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2025
  • Italian law dictates that citizens over 80 must renew their license every two years and complete a medical examination that tests mental acuity.
    — Rachel Raposas, People.com, 19 June 2025
Definition of acuity
Noun
  • At the same time, perceptions of coolness may vary across different age brackets.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • In a video from the concert, Wonder pauses his show to speak to the audience about his personal life and how being blind has impacted his perception of the world around him.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of perception
Noun
  • However, only 120 appear on Google Maps for the entire state, meaning finding the restrooms may require a bit more local insight.
    — Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
  • Women’s Sports will also feature networking opportunities and exclusive insights into the tools and platforms transforming the women’s sports industry.
    — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of insight
Noun
  • Humanity has been dealing with nefarious arch-villains, fire-breathing kaiju and world-ending cataclysms caused by forces beyond human comprehension for centuries.
    — Adam B. Vary, Variety, 12 July 2025
  • Keenan figures that the young up-and-comers on the roster having a better comprehension of what Tocchet meant to the club and the city at one point in time will help them all to embrace what’s ahead.
    — Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Definition of comprehension
Noun
  • More recent events sent me back to the novel itself, and to a new respect for Lewis’ percipience about Americans’ vulnerability to the blandishments of political charlatans, and about his oracular vision of how a fascist takeover would unfold.
    — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2021
  • Readers knew to expect in a Flanigan column percipience and foresight, expressed in graceful, unaffected prose.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2021
Definition of percipience

Browse Nearby Words

penetrating
penetration
peninsula
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Cite this Entry

“Penetration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penetration. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on penetration

Nglish: Translation of penetration for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about penetration

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