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.

Villarreal: Are you, Carrie, as perceptive as Elsbeth?

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

They love deeply, and they are uncommonly perceptive.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Unburdened by the contemporary setting that sometimes trips up a filmmaker’s boldest ideas, Mona Fastvold’s “The Testament of Ann Lee” is perhaps the year’s most extraordinarily perceptive film.

From Salon • Dec. 5, 2025

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

“You’re a perceptive one, Girl,” the boy says quietly.

From "Legend" by Marie Lu

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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