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 Your smartest and most perceptive employees will be the first to run for the door. — Ryan Hawk, Fortune, 20 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for perceptive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perceptive

Adjective

Those could include remote sensors, autonomous underwater vehicles and other equipment that requires persistent, low-visibility power in remote and sensitive offshore and coastal environments, as well as power resiliency for forward military bases.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
Musk’s officials infiltrated department after department, canceling contracts, firing employees, viewing sensitive data, and kneecapping programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as foreign aid.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of sensitive

Adjective

Star Arnold Schwarzenegger was keen to do a sequel, but Cameron was busy with other projects, including Aliens in 1986 (another killer sequel).

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
Some keen advice from an industry survivor like Paltrow on how to laugh off the haters could come in handy.

— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of keen

Adjective

Critics of Modi’s prudent management of Washington have not come up with a convincing alternative strategy for how India should handle the growing power imbalance with China.

— C. Raja Mohan, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
But Newsom’s new language moves away from the prudent standard and also drops the fatality requirement.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of prudent

Browse Nearby Words

perceptions

perceptive

perceptiveness

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Style

“Perceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perceptive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of perceptive

adjective

Example Sentences

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