1
as in senses
to have a vague awareness of
I thought I perceived a problem, but I wasn't sure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in notices
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes
perceived that it was going to be a nice day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in understands
to have a clear idea of
I perceive your point, but I still disagree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of perceives
Some of Thomas’s critique appeared to be aimed at weak-willed conservatives, including his fellow-Justices, for being, as Thomas perceives it, too spineless to stand up for the ideals enshrined in the Declaration.
—
Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
The nervous system perceives and processes both stress and pain.
—Danielle Wilhour, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
The survey aimed to capture how the fanbase perceives the club and its interest in a rebrand, and wasn’t limited to just the crest.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 7 Apr. 2026
The Prince of Wales is said to be more involved in controlling the way the public perceives the monarchy.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 31 Mar. 2026
When the brain perceives threat or stress, a small structure called the amygdala activates the body’s alarm system.
—Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
In a process called simultaneous contrast, our brain perceives colored objects in relation to the color of the background that they’re viewed against.
—Nora Bradford, Scientific American, 23 Mar. 2026
The legal penalties for people abroad echo the clause in the National Security Law which China imposed on Hong Kong in 2020, which states that authorities can prosecute people based outside China over actions that Beijing perceives as secession or subversion.
—ABC News, 11 Mar. 2026
The White House perceives Iran to be weak.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 8 Mar. 2026
Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
The nervous system perceives and processes both stress and pain.
—Danielle Wilhour, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
The survey aimed to capture how the fanbase perceives the club and its interest in a rebrand, and wasn’t limited to just the crest.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 7 Apr. 2026
The Prince of Wales is said to be more involved in controlling the way the public perceives the monarchy.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 31 Mar. 2026
When the brain perceives threat or stress, a small structure called the amygdala activates the body’s alarm system.
—Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
In a process called simultaneous contrast, our brain perceives colored objects in relation to the color of the background that they’re viewed against.
—Nora Bradford, Scientific American, 23 Mar. 2026
The legal penalties for people abroad echo the clause in the National Security Law which China imposed on Hong Kong in 2020, which states that authorities can prosecute people based outside China over actions that Beijing perceives as secession or subversion.
—ABC News, 11 Mar. 2026
The White House perceives Iran to be weak.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 8 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceives
Verb
-
But Golden State and Cleveland could try to lure the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in an effort to win now – especially if James senses the Lakers are set on moving on in a different direction without him.—
Dan Woike,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
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Trigeminovascular System Activation Initiates Headache Pain The initiation of cortical spreading depression, which is linked to an aura, also activates the trigeminovascular system, a network of nerves and blood vessels in your head that senses pain and sends signals to your brain.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Just to make things even messier and more over-plotted, Sylvie notices a light on for five days straight in an upper-floor apartment, reporting to the cops her concern that the old man who lives there might have died.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
-
If the bear is sitting at a distance, feeding or walking by and notices you but continues its natural behavior, do not take any action.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Bayard, though admitting to gaps in his own reading, sees familiarity with literature as a means of orienting yourself intellectually, whereas Adler understands a student as merely a sedentary receptacle.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
-
The Operational Bottleneck In Intake Centers Anyone working with intake centers understands the challenge of operational capacity.—
Arnold Sotelo,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Verb
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Plus, the crisp white colorway feels especially suited for summer use and travel to warmer destinations.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2026
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Meanwhile, Grogu is still in training, but Luke feels his heart isn't in it.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Major medical groups generally support gender-affirming care for children with ongoing gender dysphoria – distress caused by the difference between a person’s internal sense of gender and the way the world sees them.—
Meg Wingerter,
Denver Post,
18 May 2026
-
Cegielski also sees those retailers that offer the best value and discounts as being most aggressive in rolling out new stores.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
The backstory Robin Hutson knows hotels.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
Rashad knows that even now, at this late stage in hip-hop’s evolution, rappers are expected to guard their reputations carefully.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
Verb
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This is the place for anyone who hears about a new pale ale and instantly wants to book a trip.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
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October 9, 2024 – The Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Glossip’s appeal, with much of the debate centering on whether prosecutors allowed false testimony from Sneed to go uncorrected.—
Karina Tsui,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
Verb
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The Kansas City Chiefs' 2026-2027 schedule dropped on May 14 and Swifties are already scanning the calendar — including ticket sites — for home games as the superstar eyes a potential return to Arrowhead Stadium for a fourth season.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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As Kamala Harris eyes a possible 2028 presidential bid, there is little outward enthusiasm among her biggest 2024 backers to fund a repeat performance, adding to uncertainty about the former vice president’s prospects in what is sure to be a crowded primary field.—
Justine McDaniel,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perceives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceives. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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