sane

adjective

ˈsān 

saner; sanest

1

: proceeding from a sound mind : rational

2

: mentally sound

especially : able to anticipate and appraise the effect of one's actions

3

: healthy in body

sanely adverb

saneness

ˈsān-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of sane

• stable
• normal
• lucid
• rational
• reasonable
• balanced
• healthy
• sensible
• logical

Choose the Right Synonym for sane

wise, sage, sapient, judicious, prudent, sensible, sane mean having or showing sound judgment.

wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

Examples of sane in a Sentence

No sane person could do something so horrible.

Leaving was the only sane option she had.

Recent Examples on the Web

Perhaps the sanest character is Trent, who shows off his musical chops in a bar scene, thrashing some vocals with a metal band. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 June 2026

But, the freedom loving sane people of this great country came to Karoline's defense to show support, destroy the filthy LIBS and celebrate the greatest press secretary this country has ever employed. —Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026

Plus, the maintenance might just be what keeps you sane and feeling cute. —Natalie Cantell, InStyle, 15 June 2026

The Risk Is Not Small None of this means the valuation is sane. —Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin sanus healthy, sane

First Known Use

1721, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for sane

• ane
• bane
• blain
• brain
• cane
• chaine
• cheyne
• deign
• drain
• fain
• fane
• feign

Kids Definition

sane

adjective

ˈsān 

saner; sanest

1

: mentally sound and healthy

2

: proceeding from a sound mind : rational, sensible

sanely adverb

saneness

ˈsān-nəs 

noun

Medical Definition

sane

adjective

ˈsān 

saner; sanest

1

: free from hurt or disease : healthy

2

: mentally sound

especially : able to anticipate and appraise the effect of one's actions

3

: proceeding from a sound mind

sane behavior

sanely adverb

Legal Definition

sane

adjective

: mentally sound

specifically : able to understand one's actions and distinguish right from wrong