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 Yet an outstanding cast, scripts that are perceptive about grief and remorse, and Hennie’s impressionistic directing more than make up for it. — Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026 The wellness experts have been enticed from big hitting destination spas such as Chiva Som in Thailand and Vana in India, and are perceptive and highly experienced, although communications between departments could be better. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 June 2026 Your perceptive nature senses a family need, household issue, or emotional loose end that should be handled before bigger plans move forward. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026 Erin is deeply empathetic and highly perceptive — two qualities that don’t necessarily serve her well on Beechwood Island. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for perceptive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptive

Adjective

What to know about privacy Hospitals and doctors’ offices must follow codes of ethics and rules that protect sensitive patient health information and protect privacy, but AI is not bound by the same strict federal rules.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
State officials provided a version of the rolls but withheld sensitive personal information, citing privacy concerns.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026

Definition of sensitive

Adjective

Very strong, powerful, good feet, good athletic ability — and is working at the consistency part scheme-wise.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Sometimes, the wisest career decision is to acknowledge that a leader won't improve and move on, as careers thrive when employees aren't held back by consistently poor leadership.

— Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of wise

Adjective

In an interview with the ECB website, Root was keen to pay tribute to Stokes, one of his closest friends, but acknowledged that the team would need to reassess its approach under Fleming.

— Andrew Fifield, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
The site produces material used to make magnets that are essential for defense manufacturing, which the US is keen to secure.

— Jenny Vaughan, semafor.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of keen

Adjective

Another reason behind this shift is productivity gains haven’t matched the high degree of AI utilization – and businesses of all sizes are taking a more prudent approach.

— Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
In April, Henderson acknowledged a desire to play but praised Weigman for his mentorship and spoke like a player who understands why patience is prudent.

— Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of prudent

Adjective

Our waiter, Juan, was – as all servers at Papi Steak are – quick to illuminate the kaleidoscopic dish with a pocket flashlight, apparently for documentary purposes.

— Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
But those numbers are improving at a quicker pace than math scores.

— Samuel O’Neal July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026

Definition of quick

Adjective

However, Venus is getting some harsh contact from Mars and Saturn, which probably feels most acute on August 21, when Venus opposes Saturn.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
These figures reflect the dismal state of rural-health-care infrastructure, which is particularly acute in maternity care.

— Keith Humphreys, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026

Definition of acute

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perceptions

perceptive

perceptiveness

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“Perceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptive. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of perceptive

adjective

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