perception
noun
per·cep·tion
pər-ˈsep-shən 
1
a
: a result of perceiving : observation
b
: a mental image : concept
2
obsolete
: consciousness
3
a
: awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation
color perception
b
: physical sensation interpreted in the light of experience
4
a
: quick, acute, and intuitive cognition : appreciation
b
: a capacity for comprehension
Synonyms
Examples of perception in a Sentence
It is ironic that the impact of smoking on nonsmokers, rather than on smokers themselves, is what finally transformed the regulation and cultural perception of the cigarette.
—
Allan M. Brandt, The Cigarette Century, 2007
Some drugs cause blurred vision and changes in color perception, or increased tears.
—Sallie Tisdale, Harper's, June 2007
The urge of these acolytes is not dramatic but mercantile—to traduce all personal history, to subvert all perception or insight, into gain, or the hope of gain.
—David Mamet, Jafsie and John Henry Essays, 1999
Everything is research for the sake of erudition. No one is taught to value himself for nice perception and cultivated taste.
—Robert Frost, letter, 2 Jan. 1915
a writer of considerable perception, she remembers how it feels to be confused and insecure
a growing perception of the enormity of the problem
Allan M. Brandt, The Cigarette Century, 2007
Some drugs cause blurred vision and changes in color perception, or increased tears.
—Sallie Tisdale, Harper's, June 2007
The urge of these acolytes is not dramatic but mercantile—to traduce all personal history, to subvert all perception or insight, into gain, or the hope of gain.
—David Mamet, Jafsie and John Henry Essays, 1999
Everything is research for the sake of erudition. No one is taught to value himself for nice perception and cultivated taste.
—Robert Frost, letter, 2 Jan. 1915
a writer of considerable perception, she remembers how it feels to be confused and insecure
a growing perception of the enormity of the problem
Recent Examples on the Web
In others, children and their parents answer questions about their perceptions and expectations of the recovery process.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
The brisk pace of crime-solving leaves more time for this episode to stretch out a bit with the ongoing plot strands of Captain Wagner’s concerns about workplace morale and his team’s perception of him as a leader, and Kaya and Elsbeth’s friendship.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Gibbs said Taco Bell led the industry in the third quarter in value perception among all fast-food consumers, helping its sales even during an industrywide slowdown.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Rappaport alleges that those tags and price slashing depictions influence consumers’ perception of what the goods are worth because they are affected by fake price comparison.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for perception 
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.
Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
The brisk pace of crime-solving leaves more time for this episode to stretch out a bit with the ongoing plot strands of Captain Wagner’s concerns about workplace morale and his team’s perception of him as a leader, and Kaya and Elsbeth’s friendship.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Gibbs said Taco Bell led the industry in the third quarter in value perception among all fast-food consumers, helping its sales even during an industrywide slowdown.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Rappaport alleges that those tags and price slashing depictions influence consumers’ perception of what the goods are worth because they are affected by fake price comparison.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for perception
Dictionary Entries Near perception
Cite this Entry
“Perception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perception. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
perception
noun
per·cep·tion
pər-ˈsep-shən
1
: a result of perceiving : observation
2
: awareness of surrounding objects, conditions, or forces through sensation
color perception
3
: capacity for understanding
Medical Definition
perception
noun
per·cep·tion
pər-ˈsep-shən
: awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation
color perception
some sensation of perception of the extremity after amputation is felt by 98% of patients—Orthopedics & Traumatic Surgery
compare sensation sense 1a
Orthopedics & Traumatic SurgeryLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share