penetration

noun

Definition of penetrationnext
as in sensitivity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Mapped polyurethane overlays add abrasion and penetration resistance to key areas, while low-wear areas go without the protection in order to maintain breathability. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 6 Feb. 2025 Use of lower- or higher-powered sources (e.g. 100 kW to 2 MW) would allow changes in bore size and/or penetration rate. —New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2025 Regular penetration testing and comprehensive staff training are, likewise, critical to mitigating risks, as human error remains one of the biggest security threats. —Kunal Khashu, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 For a manager seeking to maximise his team’s efficiency in every avenue — an ambition which has delivered rich results from set pieces — Arsenal’s lack of penetration in open spaces for the majority of this season feels like a missed opportunity. —Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 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
  • It’s gotten to a point where this LeBron sensitivity is beyond the pale.
    — Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Americans abroad may be less welcome and should practice cultural sensitivity.
    — Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • Importantly, don’t settle for surface-level understandings of what these mean to you.
    — Michael B. Horn, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Lilian laughed, but Dr. Fenton remained stern, only nodding at Lilian’s understanding.
    — Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 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
  • This skill springs not from manipulative intent but from empathy and social acuity.
    — Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • After a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump that sent Democrats panicking over his mental acuity, Biden ultimately bowed out of the race in July, leaving Democrats with just 107 days before the election to find a new nominee and build a winning campaign.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of acuity
Noun
  • No matter how much people in Ukraine have suffered, the American perception of them is mostly determined by the algorithms that dictate social media.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Yet, despite statistical accuracy, public perception tells a different story.
    — Clifford Young, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of perception
Noun
  • To Begin Developing This Trait: Encourage your teams to question and validate their assumptions while remaining receptive to unexpected insights that emerge from their analysis.
    — Ben Jones, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • While historians have debated many of Ariès’ specific claims, his central insight remains powerful: Our modern understanding of childhood as a distinct life stage characterized by play, protection and freedom from adult responsibilities is a relatively recent historical development.
    — Anna Mae Duane, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of insight
Noun
  • An advanced comprehension of toolmaking and the ability to apply it to different materials suggests that ancient human ancestors had greater cognitive abilities than previously believed, the researchers said.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
  • According to Clint Watts, a cybersecurity expert who served as the show's technical consultant, this balance between technical accuracy and viewer comprehension was key.
    — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Penetration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penetration. Accessed 13 Mar. 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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