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.

Perceptive forecasters are paid to factor in developments like that.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Codenamed the AI Perceptive Companion, the pendant features a microphone and camera and "sees what you see and hears what your hear," Lenovo vice president Luca Rossi told reporters.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

Perceptive viewers may have noticed a mammalian bias in the original — there were no reptiles to be found in its near-perfect society.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

Perceptive differences can even be nuanced from person to person: For example, does “red” look the same to you as the “red” I see?

From Scientific American • Jul. 21, 2023

“Yes. Perceptive of you to notice,” I reply.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!