penetration

noun

Definition of penetrationnext
as in sensitivity

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How does the noun penetration differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of penetration are acumen, discernment, discrimination, insight, and perception. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

When is it sensible to use acumen instead of penetration?

The words acumen and penetration can be used in similar contexts, but acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

When would discernment be a good substitute for penetration?

The synonyms discernment and penetration are sometimes interchangeable, but discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

When is discrimination a more appropriate choice than penetration?

In some situations, the words discrimination and penetration are roughly equivalent. However, discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

When can insight be used instead of penetration?

The meanings of insight and penetration largely overlap; however, insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When could perception be used to replace penetration?

The words perception and penetration are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

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 penetration Sophos scored well against the penetration test, though not as high as Bitdefender. —PC Magazine, 9 June 2025 From my observations, factors driving this include deeper penetration of smart devices, digitalization and improvements in high-speed internet access. —Dana Dunne, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 Regular pruning can help improve airflow and sunlight penetration, which is key to fending off pests and diseases. —Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2025 As the details emerge, the degree of Israel’s penetration of Iran’s system will further embarrass the regime. —Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for penetration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetration
  1. sensitivity
  2. understanding
  3. acumen
  4. acuity
  5. perception
  6. insight
  7. comprehension
  8. percipience
Noun
  • The recent Spanish fraud scheme is currently under investigation by Spain’s National Court continues, underscoring persistent challenges and sensitivities surrounding Sephardic citizenship laws across Iberia.
    — Orge Castellano, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025
  • While investors should remain aware of the substantial debt and historical sensitivity to market downturns, the long-term prospects for Jazz Pharmaceuticals seem positive for those with a 3-5 year investment horizon.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • Our sight has to be informed with a broader understanding of context, history, and the individual.
    — Will Potter July 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
  • Breslow had done the interview before the game with the understanding that the selections would be embargoed until later in the day.
    — Steve Buckley, New York Times, 7 July 2025
Definition of understanding
Noun
  • The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.
    — Creg Stephenson | [email protected], al, 20 Jan. 2023
  • But Lord knows, there’s a mountain of acumen and perspicacity or, in plain terms, good horse sense stored in those minds and souls.
    — Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Jan. 2023
Definition of acumen
Noun
  • The charismatic, 46-year-old Moore would be a welcome respite for a party still bedeviled by Biden’s legacy-defining decision to seek reelection despite mental and physical acuity problems.
    — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2025
  • Italian law dictates that citizens over 80 must renew their license every two years and complete a medical examination that tests mental acuity.
    — Rachel Raposas, People.com, 19 June 2025
Definition of acuity
Noun
  • Remember, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and everyone’s perception comes from their unique place in this world.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • Oxford Economics estimates spending among international visitors to the U.S. will fall $8.5 billion this year, as negative perceptions of the U.S. tied to trade and immigration policy lead travelers to other destinations.
    — Ali McCadden, CNBC, 4 July 2025
Definition of perception
Noun
  • Here are some insights regarding one-day (1D) post-earnings returns: There have been 20 earnings data points recorded over the last five years, with 10 positive and 10 negative one-day (1D) returns observed.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Luckey told me that his central insight with Oculus was to distinguish himself from competitors by focussing less on the headset’s mechanism and more on its software.
    — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Definition of insight
Noun
  • Humanity has been dealing with nefarious arch-villains, fire-breathing kaiju and world-ending cataclysms caused by forces beyond human comprehension for centuries.
    — Adam B. Vary, Variety, 12 July 2025
  • Keenan figures that the young up-and-comers on the roster having a better comprehension of what Tocchet meant to the club and the city at one point in time will help them all to embrace what’s ahead.
    — Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Definition of comprehension
Noun
  • More recent events sent me back to the novel itself, and to a new respect for Lewis’ percipience about Americans’ vulnerability to the blandishments of political charlatans, and about his oracular vision of how a fascist takeover would unfold.
    — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2021
  • Readers knew to expect in a Flanigan column percipience and foresight, expressed in graceful, unaffected prose.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2021
Definition of percipience

Browse Nearby Words

penetrating
penetration
peninsula
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Cite this Entry

“Penetration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penetration. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on penetration

Nglish: Translation of penetration for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about penetration

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