acuity
noun
Did you know?
Do you have acuity or sensitivity?
Acuity is nearly synonymous with at least one sense of sensitivity, yet, as is so often the case with closely related words, there are subtle differences worth observing before you substitute one of these words for the other. Acuity does refer to a form of sensitivity, but it is most often applied to the perceptual senses (as in “visual acuity” or “auditory acuity”). It is also frequently used in reference to the intellect (as in “mental acuity”). Sensitivity has a broader range of meanings than acuity does, including “the capacity of being easily hurt.” It may be used of inanimate objects such as radios (“the sensitivity of the instruments was carefully calibrated”), a context in which acuity is unusual.
Examples of acuity in a Sentence
Linda Marx, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
Those with a higher mental acuity tend to need more time making decisions and drawing conclusions, found a June 2021 research paper from neuroeconomics researchers at the University of Zurich.
—Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 10 June 2026
Her sentences are somewhat flat in tone, but the excitement comes from the acuity in her observations, which accumulate over pages to assemble a full, clear picture.
—Zinzi Clemmons, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Even a small drop in hydration status can affect a leader’s mental acuity.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for acuity
Cite this Entry
“Acuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acuity. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
acuity
noun
Medical Definition
acuity
noun
