perceptive

1 of 2

adjective

per·​cep·​tive pər-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce perceptive (audio)
Synonyms of perceptive
1
: responsive to sensory stimuli : discerning
a perceptive eye
2
a
: capable of or exhibiting keen perception : observant
a perceptive scholar
b
: characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight
perceptively adverb
perceptiveness noun
perceptivity
(ˌ)pər-ˌsep-ˈti-və-tē How to pronounce perceptive (audio)
noun

perceptiveness

2 of 2

noun

per·​cep·​tive·​ness
-tivnə̇s, 
-tēv-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being perceptive

Synonyms of perceptive

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of perceptive in a Sentence

Adjective He is a very perceptive young man. due to their ability to rotate their ears, cats are very perceptive when it comes to pinpointing the source of a sound
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
This seems certain to go down as one of the greatest, most perceptive novels about friendship to be published in recent years. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026 Conversations can be thoughtful, perceptive, and surprisingly useful. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Though Fielder doesn’t pretend to be a journalist, or a science expert, his questions are direct and perceptive. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 The world is too noisy; therefore, people are less perceptive. — Josh Zajdman, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perceptive

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perceptive was in 1652

Rhymes for perceptive

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Browse Nearby Words

perceptionist
perceptive
perceptiveness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perceptive. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

perceptive

adjective
per·​cep·​tive pər-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce perceptive (audio)
: capable of or showing a keen ability to observe and understand

Medical Definition

perceptive

adjective
per·​cep·​tive pər-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce perceptive (audio)
: responsive to sensory stimulus
a perceptive eye
perceptively adverb
perceptiveness noun
perceptivity
(ˌ)pər-ˌsep-ˈtiv-ət-ē How to pronounce perceptive (audio)
noun
plural perceptivities
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