insight

noun

ˈin-ˌsīt How to pronounce insight (audio)
Definition of insightnext
as in wisdom
the ability to understand inner qualities or relationships a therapist with real insight into people's personalities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun insight differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of insight are acumen, discernment, discrimination, penetration, and perception. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When is acumen a more appropriate choice than insight?

While in some cases nearly identical to insight, acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Where would discernment be a reasonable alternative to insight?

Although the words discernment and insight have much in common, 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 insight?

In some situations, the words discrimination and insight 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 would penetration be a good substitute for insight?

The words penetration and insight can be used in similar contexts, but 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 can perception be used instead of insight?

While the synonyms perception and insight are close in meaning, 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 insight My deep institutional knowledge distinguishes me from my opponents and direct insight into municipal operations and policy. —Delores Rangel, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026 In reality, the technology is a toolkit that enables geologists to draw on data, models, and geophysics to generate valuable insights at various stages of a mining project. —Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 13 Feb. 2026 There are also muscle quality tests being developed in clinical trial settings, Navani says, to provide deeper insights into human muscle function. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026 Further insight into what surprises the new season may bring, can be found below in the character descriptions for the new recurring cast. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insight
  1. wisdom
  2. sensitivity
  3. understanding
  4. perception
  5. discernment
  6. intellect
  7. intelligence
  8. sagacity
Noun
  • If affordability is today’s most pressing challenge, lawmakers must not confuse volume with wisdom, and instead confront the policies that continue to drive high costs and limit opportunity.
    — Carol Platt Liebau, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Just as Clinton Edgar Woods saw the wisdom of combining the advantages of gasoline and electric power, so today’s hybrids could serve as a bridge while battery technology and charging infrastructure continue to mature.
    — Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • When the estrogen hormone declines during perimenopause, the body’s insulin sensitivity decreases, too, which affects overall metabolism.
    — Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
  • But the price sensitivity of consumers for weight loss drugs remains a big unknown, which makes greater volumes and more access points important.
    — Annika Kim Constantino,Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • This greatly improved the meetings that both boards have regarding our budget discussions and has lead to a better understanding between the two bodies.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Levine did not have concerns while making the movie but has developed a fuller understanding of the trans experience in the ensuing decades.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of understanding
Noun
  • Engineers have struggled to close the reaction gap between human perception and machine processing without sacrificing accuracy.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Reality and perception count CATS has beefed up security in recent months.
    — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of perception
Noun
  • Over time, this builds discernment and institutional memory, and ensures that people take responsibility for their calls, rather than blaming the models.
    — Carolyn Dewar, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026
  • There were points Landfair wishes her parents could have had the discernment to intervene.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2026
Definition of discernment
Noun
  • Duncan will recur as Mimir, a cheery fellow from Celtic lands with an expansive intellect, a quick wit and a good head on his shoulders.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
  • What came to him naturally was his intellect.
    — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Definition of intellect
Noun
  • Israeli intelligence expert Sima Shein has warned that negotiations narrowly focused on nuclear restrictions could leave Israel exposed.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The feed was sent directly to Russian intelligence.
    — Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of intelligence
Noun
  • Anka, a thoughtful conversationalist who shares stories with the sagacity of someone who has lived a fascinating life, is talking about his present.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 1 Dec. 2025
  • With wry sagacity and genial erudition, Mark Usher reminds us that those…classics teach us humility in the face of Nature.
    — Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 13 May 2025
Definition of sagacity

Browse Nearby Words

insidiousness
insight
insightful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insight. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on insight

Nglish: Translation of insight for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about insight

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

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

What does 'etcetera' mean?

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

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Why Is the Letter ‘Z’ Associated With Sleeping?

The Words of the Week - Feb. 13

Why do we call it 'ides of March'?
See More

Popular

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?
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 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?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
burrowing owl athene cunicularia tilts its head outside its burrow on marco island florida
Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
See All