Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective perspicuous differ from other similar words?

The words clear and lucid are common synonyms of perspicuous. While all three words mean "quickly and easily understood," perspicuous applies to a style that is simple and elegant as well as clear.

a perspicuous style

When is clear a more appropriate choice than perspicuous?

While the synonyms clear and perspicuous are close in meaning, clear implies freedom from obscurity, ambiguity, or undue complexity.

clear instructions

When might lucid be a better fit than perspicuous?

In some situations, the words lucid and perspicuous are roughly equivalent. However, lucid suggests a clear logical coherence and evident order of arrangement.

a lucid explanation

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 perspicuous But where Hofstadter is playfully enigmatic and brashly brainy, Chalmers’s writing is perspicuous and teacherly — an approach that keeps it from collapsing into recalcitrant obscurity. Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2022 Conditions in the state the planes left behind them were far less perspicuous. The Economist, 8 Feb. 2020 The president began his Monday by scrutinizing his national security briefing, filling its margins with perspicuous questions and observations. Eric Levitz, Daily Intelligencer, 10 July 2017 Unspoken but perspicuous is the wish to (at worst) score points off Democrats and (at best) free up a seat on the nation’s most important appeals court for a nominee from the Federalist Society weapons locker. Garrett Epps, The Atlantic, 12 May 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perspicuous
Adjective
  • This told us how well heat was distributed across the cooking surface, where the pan would heat up fastest, and whether there were any obvious hot spots.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 May 2025
  • Upon seeing a photo of him, she was struck by their obvious physical resemblance.
    Carita Rizzo, People.com, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • There's no official announcement time during a conclave, but there is one unmistakable signal: white smoke.
    Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
  • Indeed, her portraits are unmistakable: characterized by saturated backdrops, tactile surfaces, and a deep reverence for Nigerian studio photography traditions that elevate her sitters to mythic status.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • On their way home to Melbourne, Cave claims their meal at a local pub was interrupted by an apparent interaction with Cage.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 9 May 2025
  • Despite some apparent limitations in the group, there’s a dual purpose to their playing time.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Pony Bead Pumpkins Ideal for the autumnal season, this adorable and straightforward seasonal craft uses pipe cleaners and beads to create three-dimensional pumpkins perfect for displaying on the mantle or your Thanksgiving tablescape.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
  • Because the path to parenthood isn't straightforward for everyone, workplaces can transform this journey through supportive policies.
    Cynthia McEwen, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Toxic takeover completed a few months before, the Glazer brothers — Joel, Avie and Bryan — were attending their first match at Old Trafford as owners of Manchester United and a new way of thinking was evident.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 11 May 2025
  • Acidity dominants, as with many 2024 Bordeaux wines, but complexity is evident in this light juice with fine flavors of young red fruit.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Think of a close-to-home tropical paradise, and perhaps Costa Rica comes to mind, or even a Caribbean island destination like Jamaica with its tangle of clear rivers and dense jungles.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2025
  • Whether the public will give her reports and remarks the same credence as those of prior Surgeons General is less clear.
    Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • One of the most effective ways to do this is by specializing in client segments with distinct financial needs, values, and life experiences.
    Jason Katz, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • Its distinct big band sound and rhythms attracted both young and old on Friday night including Haitian konpa fans pushing walkers.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perspicuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perspicuous. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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