PERCEPTIVE Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

perceptive

adjective

pər-ˈsep-tiv

Definition of perceptive

as in sensitive

able to sense slight impressions or differences due to their ability to rotate their ears, cats are very perceptive when it comes to pinpointing the source of a sound

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wise

having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge a perceptive therapist was able to discover what was really troubling the youth

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 perceptive With time, users may begin to experience AI not simply as a tool but as a uniquely perceptive source of guidance. — Morgan Shipley, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026 Tonal issues persist, with too many big, absurdist swings coming up empty (funerals, parties, tornados, oh no) and too few relatable or perceptive gags to balance them out. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026 But although the mysterious connections between siblings are an area ripe for exploration, Herzog doesn’t seem all that interested beyond the quirk factor, making the film seem precious rather than perceptive. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 The conversations that the screening started showed Teng that people are becoming more perceptive to watching stories from Palestine. — Matt Minton, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perceptive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptive

Adjective

Some highly sensitive issues include relations with the European Union and Russia, but the primary focus will be dealing with corruption.

— JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
There may be time-sensitive observations or decisions that need to be made before any instruction could arrive.

— Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of sensitive

Adjective

But whether in Frankfurt or, later, Weimar — where Soviet officials are as keen to canonize Thomas — this father and daughter aren’t simply driving through Germany but taking a tour across fascism’s long shadow, which still darkens the world.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
The Cloudveil For those keen to stay in town, there’s no better, more central location than The Cloudveil, situated on Jackson’s historic Town Square.

— Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of keen

Adjective

Collapsing relationships are the bread and butter of many an insightful novel.

— B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
The end of Sunday’s Last Week Tonight featured a characteristically stupid, yet insightful segment about effective ways to push back against corny and annoying corporate branding.

— Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of insightful

Adjective

Looking forward, adding Tesla will simply make a new SpaceX’s huge need for cash far more acute.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
For North Carolina, where our infrastructure recently received a C- from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the need for ongoing federal funding for road and highway improvements feels particularly acute.

— Kevin Blackwell, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of acute

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perceptions

perceptive

perceptiveness

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Style

“Perceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptive. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of perceptive

adjective

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