perception

noun

pər-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce perception (audio)
Definition of perceptionnext
1
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
2
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

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 perception The sculpted forms of ONDA transform matter into movement, giving life to a collection where light and spatial perception become an integral part of the design. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025 But perceptions of how adoptees should feel about their adoption can be a barrier to those concerns, said Kim Park Nelson, an associate professor of ethnic studies at Winona State University whose research specializes in transnational adult adoptees in the United States. —Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2025 This perception could turn those who, like Le Pen and Georgescu, are penalized by those institutions, into martyrs, warned Mounk. —Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025 The result, both on the executive and artist-roster side, has meant shifting both priorities and perceptions. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perception
  1. insight
  2. understanding
  3. sensitivity
  4. appreciation
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • Taking into account dividends and investment appreciation over time, Forbes estimates Prenosil has at least $280 million in wealth outside her Dick’s stock.
    — Jemima McEvoy, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • At a fan convention in Los Angeles in 2017, North expressed his appreciation for fans of Dennis the Menace.
    — Raven Brunner, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of appreciation

Phrases Containing perception

Browse Nearby Words

perceptibly
perception
perceptions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perception. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on perception

Nglish: Translation of perception for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about perception

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All