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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 Those who are successful in the job market learn how to embrace tradeoffs to make wise choices. Michael B. Horn, Time, 24 June 2025 Washington eventually adopted more sensible approaches that mobilized the resources of key allies, developed a wiser balance between conventional and nuclear tools, and assumed a less confrontational attitude toward Moscow. Jennifer Lind, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that message during a television appearance the next morning, telling CBS News that there is still an offer for a nuclear deal on the table if Tehran is wise enough to take it. Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025 Brian Gutekunst and the front office may opt to stand pat, but signing another cornerback would be wise. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
Adjective
  • Banning any emulsifiers that might be found to cause serious harm would be prudent, but then foods that contain them would have to be reformulated—a costly, time-consuming endeavor.
    Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025
  • The trade Given these risks, hedging is prudent for investors with significant tech exposure, particularly those concerned about short-term volatility.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Musk’s comment about Bannon returning to prison was made under a post showing Trump’s Truth Social post, indicating that the billionaire is aware of the threat but is choosing not to respond yet.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
  • Prince William’s charitable team was not aware of the Mondejar Foundation, nor of its attempts to solicit donations through an exclusive networking group called A Small World by offering access to the royal couple via the polo event.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Macaluso, too, suggests that rather than fighting over redfish, sportsmen ought to expand their notions of which fish are desirable.
    Boyce Upholt, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025
  • These two effects are desirable for reducing heart health risks.
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Oh, and the best pairs of the bunch are also plain old comfy (and cute, in a gorpcore kind of way).
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 7 July 2025
  • July 6, 2025: Rodman watching Shelton’s match at Wimbledon is so cute the ESPN announcer literally giggles trying to talk about them.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • One bold young woman lay on the ground and put her feet up, wide apart.
    Zadie Smith, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Her makeup included bold brows, lined eyes and a rosy lip.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • But the juxtapositions have become more insightful.
    Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • What was once the bustling hub for Biltmore Industries' weaving and woodworking is now a captivating arts and crafts village, providing an insightful look into Asheville's rich history.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • When the emails eventually came out, it was revealed that Donald Trump Jr. was a knowing and enthusiastic participant.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Hooded eyes, a linear slash for a mouth, a square jaw, a tousle of hair — the startling frugality of lines that bring the dying sitter to full life embodies the knowing depth of the couple’s relationship.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • When Doku opened the scoring in the ninth minute, Guardiola, with his hands as tactical puppets, was seen having a detailed talk with his striker on the bench.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • Trump’s predecessors feared that strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, regardless of their tactical success, could give Tehran the political justification to withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and openly pursue nuclear arms, driving its program further underground and out of sight.
    Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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