common sense

noun

Definition of common sense

:sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts

She's very smart but doesn't have a lot of common sense.

rely on common sense for personal safety

—

commonsense

play \ˈkä-mən-ˈsen(t)s\ adjective

—

commonsensible

play \ˈkä-mən-ˈsen(t)-sə-bəl\ adjective

—

commonsensical

play \ˈkä-mən-ˈsen(t)-si-kəl\ adjective

—

commonsensically

play \ˈkä-mən-ˈsen(t)-si-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See common sense defined for English-language learners

See common sense defined for kids

Examples of common sense in a Sentence

You really should go to see a doctor if your leg hurts that much. It's just common sense!
Obey the laws and use common sense when operating your boat.
She's very smart but she doesn't have a lot of common sense.

First Known Use of common sense

1726

common sense Synonyms

Synonyms

discreetness, discretion, gumption [chiefly dialect], horse sense, levelheadedness, nous [chiefly British], policy, prudence, sense, sensibleness, wisdom, wit

Antonyms

imprudence, indiscretion

Near Antonyms

shortsightedness; brainlessness, foolishness, half-wittedness, idiocy, senselessness, stupidity; carelessness, heedlessness; unreasonableness

Synonym Discussion of common sense

sense, common sense, judgment, wisdom mean ability to reach intelligent conclusions. sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence.

- a choice showing good sense

common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

- common sense tells me it's wrong

judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

- they relied on her judgment for guidance

wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average.

- a leader of rare wisdom

COMMON SENSE Defined for English Language Learners

common sense

noun

Definition of common sense for English Language Learners

: the ability to think and behave in a reasonable way and to make good decisions

COMMON SENSE Defined for Kids

common sense

noun

Definition of common sense for Students

:ordinary good sense and judgment

—

commonsense

\ˈkä-mən-ˈsens\ adjective

a commonsense approach

Learn More about common sense

See words that rhyme with common sense Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for common sense Spanish Central: Translation of common sense Nglish: Translation of common sense for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of common sense for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up common sense? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

common sense

Definition of common sense

commonsense

commonsensible

commonsensical

commonsensically

From the M-W Editors

Examples of common sense in a Sentence

First Known Use of common sense

common sense Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Synonym Discussion of common sense

COMMON SENSE Defined for English Language Learners

common sense

Definition of common sense for English Language Learners

COMMON SENSE Defined for Kids

common sense

Definition of common sense for Students

commonsense

Learn More about common sense

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

Let's Talk 'Tea'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066