perspicacity

noun

Definition of perspicacitynext
as in intellect
an ability to notice and understand things that are difficult or not obvious She had the perspicacity to recognize the underlying problem.

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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 perspicacity And our unity with divine Mind endows each of us with the intelligence, spiritual insight, and perspicacity to make sound decisions, including consenting to receiving all the good God has prepared for us. — Karen Neff, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perspicacity
  1. intellect
  2. sensitivity
  3. intelligence
  4. power
  5. sense
  6. acumen
  7. acuity
  8. understanding
Noun
  • As its sign of rulership, this Earth sign gives the messenger planet a grounding outlet for its intellect and curiosity.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Here was a juicy alleged scandal involving two big names, a public intellectual and an actor publicly known for her intellect.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of intellect
Noun
  • Nonetheless, no agreements have been reached yet, partly because of the complexities of the issues surrounding AI, as well as sensitivities around how Hollywood talent and unions would react, the sources said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Besides a wide-field infrared camera that matches Hubble’s sensitivity but is 1,000 times faster, Roman holds an instrument to block out starlight.
    — Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • Ravens and crows have also represented intelligence, knowledge, transformation, and even creation in cultures around the world.
    — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Both sides stressed that the use of intelligence and electrification technology is an important focus for working together.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of intelligence
Noun
  • As Itauma continued attempting to throw power punches, Hrgović knew his opponent had nothing left and went for the kill.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The last act before festival founder Olivia Rodrigo, Roan turned it out with all of her powers—bolstered by a bold and bitchy, razor-sharp bob.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of power
Noun
  • In that sense, hitting one in his second career at-bat, which was sandwiched by two strikeouts, was fitting.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Combining unexpected items can make a lot of sense and save precious space in your backpack.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Cignetti has tapped into a distinctly Hoosier brand of team pride, which proves that his acumen is just as strong off the football field as on it.
    — Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.
    — Creg Stephenson | [email protected], al, 20 Jan. 2023
Definition of acumen
Noun
  • Across Illinois and the nation, hospitals have been closing inpatient pediatric units and shuttering high-acuity Level 1 facilities as reimbursement declines.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • James roves among the attackers’ perspectives before and during the event, his experimental style, psychological acuity, and ragged lyricism on display.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of acuity
Noun
  • One wanted to build a machine to encourage a collective understanding of reality; the other a machine to dissolve trust.
    — Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The point, Forman suggested, was not to change anyone’s mind but to encourage better understanding and clearer thinking.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of understanding

Browse Nearby Words

perspicacious
perspicacity
perspicuity
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Cite this Entry

“Perspicacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perspicacity. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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