penetration

noun

Definition of penetrationnext
as in sensitivity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 The main purpose of the Soviet Mediterranean fleet was to prevent NATO penetration into the Black Sea. —Colin Flint, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2025 The Heat’s defense could not contain the Pistons’ dribble penetration, allowing 70 paint points on Wednesday. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025 All of this exposure has helped Poppi garner 38% of household awareness and 19% of household penetration which is up 10% from last year. —Yola Robert, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 In the coming years, increased EV penetration inevitably means greater power demand. —Justin Worland, Time, 28 Mar. 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
  • Research suggests that a low-fiber diet and other food sensitivities tend to trigger constipation in IBS-C.8 Risk Factors Some factors may make developing this digestive disorder more likely.
    — Cristina Mutchler, Health, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Grider recommends that those with extreme eye sensitivity or eye conditions consult a licensed esthetician before booking an appointment.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • Despite the entrenched ethical norms of the legal profession, educational institutions at every level should devise strategies designed to improve the public’s understanding of government and its critical intersection with the rule of law.
    — Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Critically, lenders give buyers a big-picture understanding of what their monthly payment will look like under various loan configurations, taking into account sales price tiers, interest rates, property taxes and insurance.
    — TC Brown, USA Today, 2 Apr. 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
  • From tech pioneers to financial strategists, these executives and CEOs stand out for their remarkable mental acuity.
    — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Personal and human connections allow candidates to more effectively communicate their talent, and employers can more effectively evaluate distinctive strengths like interpersonal skills, verbal acuity, and executive functioning–even more important for rising talent who grew up behind a screen.
    — Susan LaMotte, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of acuity
Noun
  • According to Sweet, consumers' perception of inflation has historically been driven by food and gasoline prices, as opposed to U.S. trade policies.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • While overall perceptions of the value of college degrees have dropped roughly 5% over the last year, the majority of the respondents, across all ages, races and political affiliations, said at least one degree — associate or bachelor's — is valuable.
    — Janet W. Lee, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of perception
Noun
  • Documenting changes in marine ecosystems: With its advanced lidar technology, the Navigator captures temporal changes in marine environments, offering insights into how human activity and climate change are reshaping aquatic ecosystems.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The event, organized by Media Partners Asia, continues its focus on insights, partnerships, and the shifting content marketplace.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of insight
Noun
  • The researchers found that, surprisingly, tapping – either on its own or along to a beat – delivered better speech comprehension, while just listening to a beat without a physical response was not as impactful.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This boldness is informed by a profound comprehension of capabilities and a steadfast commitment to pushing boundaries.
    — Lori Huss, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Penetration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penetration. Accessed 16 Apr. 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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