Definition of perspicuousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective perspicuous differ from other similar words?

The words clear and lucid are common synonyms of perspicuous. While all three words mean "quickly and easily understood," perspicuous applies to a style that is simple and elegant as well as clear.

a perspicuous style

When is clear a more appropriate choice than perspicuous?

While the synonyms clear and perspicuous are close in meaning, clear implies freedom from obscurity, ambiguity, or undue complexity.

clear instructions

When might lucid be a better fit than perspicuous?

In some situations, the words lucid and perspicuous are roughly equivalent. However, lucid suggests a clear logical coherence and evident order of arrangement.

a lucid explanation

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 perspicuous But where Hofstadter is playfully enigmatic and brashly brainy, Chalmers’s writing is perspicuous and teacherly — an approach that keeps it from collapsing into recalcitrant obscurity. Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2022 Conditions in the state the planes left behind them were far less perspicuous. The Economist, 8 Feb. 2020 The president began his Monday by scrutinizing his national security briefing, filling its margins with perspicuous questions and observations. Eric Levitz, Daily Intelligencer, 10 July 2017 Unspoken but perspicuous is the wish to (at worst) score points off Democrats and (at best) free up a seat on the nation’s most important appeals court for a nominee from the Federalist Society weapons locker. Garrett Epps, The Atlantic, 12 May 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perspicuous
Adjective
  • The teenage phenom is able to complement his obvious technical skills with a flair and maturity in high-pressure situations that is well beyond his years.
    Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • This was most obvious during Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour, when brands capitalized on all things Taylor — friendship bracelets, themed drinks and even concert outfits.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • This band may have created millions of fans, but its influence on the 80s rock music is unmistakable.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026
  • The warning delivered by this year’s primaries is unmistakable.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • This comes after dozens of leading Mexican sports outlets reported the time change — after apparent briefing — as did the BBC, which has rights to the game in the UK.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 July 2026
  • Anybody who is anybody is making their way to New York’s Madison Square Garden dressed to the nines in an apparent march to get to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Eiglarsh added that while the suffering of the families was evident throughout the trial, the defense successfully argued that the crash was a tragic accident.
    Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • As part of this shift, Cuban officers are opting to train soldiers in guerrilla tactics rather than conventional warfare — a strategic departure corroborated by Cancian that is also evident in the footage.
    Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • On paper, the outcomes appeared fairly straightforward, though both matches delivered plenty of drama.
    Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • How the Four-Box Decluttering Method Works The four-box decluttering method is a pretty simple and straightforward one.
    Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • McLeese said each guest in the restricted area is allowed only one clear bag no larger than a gallon, or a small clutch purse.
    Maria Sullivan, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • There appears to be no clear association between these two lists, although the contaminant list is supposed to inform the monitoring list.
    Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Honda's vehicles feature a distinct design language and identity that evolves without deviating from the brand's ethos.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Each of them hold their own distinct style and personality, with something for everyone, not just in the glass, but in the atmosphere.
    Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Perspicuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perspicuous. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on perspicuous

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster