Definition of wisenext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word wise distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of wise are judicious, prudent, sage, sane, sapient, and sensible. While all these words 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

Where would judicious be a reasonable alternative to wise?

In some situations, the words judicious and wise are roughly equivalent. However, judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

When can prudent be used instead of wise?

The synonyms prudent and wise are sometimes interchangeable, but prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

When is sage a more appropriate choice than wise?

While in some cases nearly identical to wise, sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When is it sensible to use sane instead of wise?

The meanings of sane and wise largely overlap; however, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

In what contexts can sapient take the place of wise?

The words sapient and wise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When could sensible be used to replace wise?

The words sensible and wise can be used in similar contexts, but sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

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 wise The result is a kind of dream memoir, including subtle elements of magic realism, chiefly in the form of a wise and mysterious tiger cat who leads Marina to truths no human can help her find. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 26 June 2026 Candidates would be wise to give it a watch. Alex Rosado, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026 But opening proposals for a new collective bargaining agreement were exchanged only about a month ago, and fans would be wise to stay patient at this stage, experts say. Evan Drellich, New York Times, 25 June 2026 And Oakley’s version seems to know this, vibe-wise. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
Adjective
  • Keeping their core together seems like a prudent move.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 24 June 2026
  • Perhaps the radical thought of a black woman as president made this approach seem prudent.
    Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • The broad genre of pop also gives artists room to experiment, said O’Brien, adding that audiences these days are well aware of the concept of eras and understand artists will go through multiple ones throughout their careers.
    Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • After clearing logjams in the White House and House of Representatives, the legislation drew broad support in an election year where both parties are increasingly aware that voters have said they're fed up with the high cost of living.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Shirts tied to a specific tour, an album release or a now-defunct venue tend to be the most desirable.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Such qualities might be unobjectionable, even desirable, in and of themselves, but their ubiquitous appearance across the internet has turned them into instant design clichés.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, a cute side slit and practical pocket on the shorts add style and functionality.
    Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026
  • Join the droves of shoppers buying this cute henley top with a relaxed fit.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Below are five bold predictions about what the world of artificial intelligence will look like in the year 2030.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • Pheromone perfume has flooded social media feeds with bold claims about boosting attraction, but the science behind these scented sprays is murkier than the marketing suggests.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, the juggling of storylines ends up being more schematic than insightful.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Coniglio also serves as caretaker of the schoolhouse and offers insightful historical lectures and demonstrations throughout the year at the building.
    Pamela Brown, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Black comedy is among the hardest tones to nail, and if there was a single knowing wink from the actors or even a soupçon of exaggeration in the execution, the whole thing could simply become too tiresomely antic to be actually funny.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 June 2026
  • Those of us with a penchant for fashion have managed—not without effort—to put aside the knowing glances, caresses, and hugs to take in every detail of the look.
    Arancha Gamo, Glamour, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • As defense programs push AI capabilities closer to the tactical edge, systems must analyze information where it is collected instead of relying on distant computing resources.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026
  • This game was top-class entertainment, showcased both teams’ tactical flexibility, and could have ended with a very different scoreline.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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