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sanity

noun

san·​i·​ty ˈsa-nə-tē How to pronounce sanity (audio)
: the quality or state of being sane
especially : soundness or health of mind

Examples of sanity in a Sentence

People have begun to doubt his sanity. She is the mother of six children but somehow keeps her sanity. The sanity of the decision was never in question.
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.
In her cover interview with Glamour, the young star reflected on how she’s kept her privacy—and her sanity—through it all. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 25 Nov. 2025 Naturally, there's plenty of dysfunction as confessions are made, a turkey is flung across the table, a football game leads to a fistfight, and Claudia tries to maintain her sanity. Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Nov. 2025 Below, find 15 smart, space-saving, and sanity-saving travel essentials seasoned travelers refuse to fly without. Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2025 Sharing this could save a trip, a holiday or at least someone’s sanity. The Kim Komando Show, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sanite, from Anglo-French sanité, from Latin sanitat-, sanitas health, sanity, from sanus healthy, sane

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sanity was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanity. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

sanity

noun
san·​i·​ty ˈsan-ət-ē How to pronounce sanity (audio)
: the quality or state of being sane

Medical Definition

sanity

noun
san·​i·​ty ˈsan-ət-ē How to pronounce sanity (audio)
plural sanities
: the quality or state of being sane
especially : soundness or health of mind

Legal Definition

sanity

noun
san·​i·​ty
: the quality or state of being sane compare insanity

More from Merriam-Webster on sanity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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