perceptive

[per-sep-tiv] / pərˈsɛp tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

alert, sensitive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

astute discerning discreet incisive insightful intuitive knowing knowledgeable observant penetrating wise

WEAK

acute awake aware brainy conscious ear to the ground gnostic insighted judicious keen knows what's what penetrative percipient perspicacious quick rational responsive sagacious sage savvy sharp sophic tuned-in wise to

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless foolish idiotic ignorant stupid thoughtless unaware undiscerning unintelligent

WEAK

dense insensitive unobservant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Much of what he writes in this piece—on the dangers of crazy people and rogue regimes accessing powerful AI tools, and on the ill-advisability of selling semiconductors to China—is perceptive and interesting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Taylor is one of the most emotionally perceptive fiction writers working today, and his third novel, set in the New York art world, is his best.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

There, in the confines of its pages, Nora recognizes that her father has a much more innate and perceptive knowledge of her that neither of them ever could’ve imagined.

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2025

In a perceptive statement, Fed governor Stephen Miran stressed on Oct.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 11, 2025

Suddenly the idea seemed brilliant and wondrously perceptive.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Vocabulary lists containing perceptive

ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 5

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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

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