insight

noun

ˈin-ˌsīt How to pronounce insight (audio)
Definition of insightnext
as in wisdom
the ability to understand inner qualities or relationships a therapist with real insight into people's personalities

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun insight differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of insight are acumen, discernment, discrimination, penetration, and perception. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

When is acumen a more appropriate choice than insight?

While in some cases nearly identical to insight, acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Where would discernment be a reasonable alternative to insight?

Although the words discernment and insight have much in common, discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

When could discrimination be used to replace insight?

In some situations, the words discrimination and insight 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 would penetration be a good substitute for insight?

The words penetration and insight can be used in similar contexts, but 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 can perception be used instead of insight?

While the synonyms perception and insight are close in meaning, 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 insight Jun Fukai, director of global sales and development at TBS Holdings, shared some insights on the show’s development and execution. — Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025 On her podcast, Rose shared her intention to provide insight into the realities of being a wrestler for WWE, pointing to the sacrifices required that come along with the job. — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for insight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insight
  1. wisdom
  2. understanding
  3. sensitivity
  4. perception
  5. discernment
  6. intellect
  7. intelligence
  8. sagacity
Noun
  • Critics question the wisdom of linking the full faith and credit of the US government to a purely speculative, highly volatile asset.
    — Allison Morrow, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
  • This shift is not a sign of decline but rather a maturation process that leads to wisdom—the kind of knowledge that has kept human societies thriving for millennia.
    — Talia Milgrom-Elcott, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • There’s a tender dynamic between the two, a kind of sublimated love that comes from mutual understanding.
    — Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
  • What Adams and Jefferson understood in the 19th century still applies to the divisions in American society today: Reconciliation requires understanding.
    — Betsy Sinclair, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of understanding
Noun
  • This sensitivity to swings in rates is known as duration.
    — Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 20 Mar. 2025
  • As a vasodilator, marijuana increases blood flow, heightening sensitivity in erogenous zones.
    — Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • As autonomous driving and conversing with your vehicle increase, your perception of it changes, posits Wagener.
    — Sean Evans, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2025
  • According to a new survey, negative perceptions of esports are a thing of the past.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of perception
Noun
  • If an old flame appears out of nowhere, use your discernment and don’t let this take away from your hard work and day-to-day rituals.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Teens show some discernment about ethical AI use, but many remain unsure or opposed to using it for core academic tasks.
    — Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of discernment
Noun
  • Moretti's aware of Ariel's intellect and always wants to be one step ahead of her, making for an enthralling game of cat and mouse.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The versatile Chestnut, 56, leads with intellect, charm and six-pack abs as Dr. John Watson, the beloved colleague of the apparently deceased Sherlock Holmes, in CBS' modern series.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
Definition of intellect
Noun
  • The United States subsequently paused intelligence sharing and providing security assistance to Ukraine.
    — Keir Simmons, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Under the proposal, the U.S. has promised to restore military and intelligence support to Ukraine in exchange for Ukraine promising to end air attacks on Russia.
    — Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of intelligence
Noun
  • Yet Schrader seems insensitive to the sorrow and sagacity that John Huston made palpable in his adaptation of Under the Volcano by another Canadian author, Malcolm Lowery.
    — Armond White, National Review, 25 Dec. 2024
  • For decades, Americans believed that the various democratic safeguards rooted in the court system, the media, and civic norms allowed the country to navigate federal-state tensions with sagacity.
    — Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 6 Sep. 2022
Definition of sagacity

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Cite this Entry

“Insight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insight. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on insight

Nglish: Translation of insight for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about insight

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