common sense

noun

: sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts
So far, I've had the common sense not to tweet anything ghastly.James Poniewozik
The poker players learns that sometimes both science and common sense are wrong. There is such a thing as absolute premonition of cards, a rock bottom surety of what will happen next.David Mamet
With tsunamis, it may seem only common sense to Earth scientists to run away from (and not toward) the water when the sea is drawn rapidly down and away from the beach as a tsunami approaches. But that response is counterintuitive for most people.Thomas C. Pierson
commonsense adjective
commonsensible adjective
commonsensical adjective
commonsensically adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Maralyn, in Elmhirst’s telling, was almost certainly more responsible than Maurice for the couple’s ultimate triumph over nature and common sense. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 9 July 2025 This is a clear violation of federal law and common sense. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025 This is a big win for common sense and good on DHS for finally seeing the light! Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 Moreover, the Roland flag was larger, and common sense indicates that Driver would have presented his largest flag to be flown over the Capitol building in Nashville on that historic day in 1862. Meredith Kile, People.com, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for common sense

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of common sense was in 1646

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Cite this Entry

“Common sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20sense. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

common sense

noun
: ordinary good sense and judgment
commonsense
ˌkäm-ən-ˌsen(t)s
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on common sense

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