commonsense 1 of 2

Definition of commonsensenext

common sense

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun common sense contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of common sense are judgment, sense, and wisdom. While all these words mean "ability to reach intelligent conclusions," common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

Where would judgment be a reasonable alternative to common sense?

While the synonyms judgment and common sense are close in meaning, judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

When would sense be a good substitute for common sense?

The synonyms sense and common sense are sometimes interchangeable, but sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence.

a choice showing good sense

In what contexts can wisdom take the place of common sense?

The words wisdom and common sense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average.

a leader of rare wisdom

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 commonsense
Adjective
Here’s another commonsense way to save money on healthcare. Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026 Shoss’s research backs up this commonsense view. Claire Zillman, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
People are starving for honesty, common sense, operational competence, and candidates who sound like actual human beings. Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026 Watch On As every streaming platform inevitably becomes like linear TV and offers up more commercials than common sense, we're left sighing at the 360 that society has taken. Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • While this might seem like the logical next step in the hiring process for a Ryan Murphy show, the suggestion felt anything but.
    Connor Hines, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • The move made little logical sense at the time.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • This raised interest rates to punishing levels just as fiscal prudence was being tossed aside.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026
  • Strength and prudence are not the same thing.
    S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • That's so important, because this isn't about reasonable disputes on policy.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 June 2026
  • The most reasonable objection to this view is that resilience returns are too diffuse to underwrite, that avoided losses do not show up in a project’s revenue line the way tolls or tariffs do.
    Ravi S. Bhalla, Fortune, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Relationships become a wisdom source.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • Algorithms identify patterns, but wisdom depends on human insight.
    Andy Busser, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The restaurant, which has held its Michelin star for more than 20 years—no small feat in the finicky world of fine dining—continues to draw diners with seasonal course menus, shaped by local suppliers and produce from the estate gardens, as well as its service and sense of occasion.
    Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
  • In the case of the Kiawah Island home, that meant breaking with period convention and lining the view side with window walls, and incorporating a variety of ceiling treatments to help define living spaces (and introduce a sense of scale) within the open plan.
    Fred Albert, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • These monsters—its antitheses—constitute that part of our nature that urges us to be sensible and strong, and that inclines us to see the life drive as trivial, weak, sentimental and immoral.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
  • Bold strategies like that don’t always work; the two-stop plan that most teams opted for was the safe, sensible option.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Anheuser-Busch will have to see how viewers react to its latest ad to determine if consumers think the Clydesdales still present good horse sense or represent a horse of a different color.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Our people have a horse sense for what good work is.
    Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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