insightful

adjective

in·​sight·​ful ˈin-ˌsīt-fəl How to pronounce insightful (audio) in-ˈsīt- How to pronounce insightful (audio)
Synonyms of insightful
: exhibiting or characterized by insight
insightful criticism
insightfully adverb

Synonyms of insightful

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Examples of insightful in a Sentence

Her analysis of the problem was very insightful. a critical study featuring an insightful analysis of the novelist's recurring themes
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Manchester City documentary offered an insightful preview of this summer, one in which Arsenal are the only top-six club not to have changed manager since the start of last season. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Watch On Despite containing a plot summary in its title and a tepid reception when it was released, director Andrew Dominik’s meditative film manages to be both suspenseful and insightful. — David Faris, TheWeek, 21 Aug. 2026 Featuring seascape settings and insightful dialogue, this coastal noir tale delivers important ideas with a courageous heart. — Monitor Reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026 Linda Castillo, who writes an insightful series about Kate Burkholder, police chief of Painters Mill, Ohio, where about a third of the residents are Amish, generally has a new novel each summer. — Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insightful

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insightful was in 1907

Rhymes for insightful

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Browse Nearby Words

insighted
insightful
insignia
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Cite this Entry

“Insightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insightful. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

insightful

adjective
in·​sight·​ful ˈin-ˌsīt-fəl How to pronounce insightful (audio) in-ˈ How to pronounce insightful (audio)
: exhibiting or characterized by insight
insightful behavior
insightfully adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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