Definitions

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.

Simers tended to probe and kid and seek to stir up things, but Anderson also recognized that he could be highly accurate, perceptive and even fun.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

As writers and scholars, Lewis and Tolkien ranked among the most perceptive critics of burgeoning totalitarian movements such as Nazism and communism, in no small part due to their shared Christian faith.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

Twelve months on, their visit brought more words of caution from Amorim about his side's evolution that proved equally perceptive.

From BBC • Nov. 24, 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

“That’s very perceptive of you, child. What is your name?”

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman

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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