wisdom

noun (1)

wis·dom | \ ˈwiz-dəm

Definition of wisdom

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : ability to discern inner qualities and relationships : insight

b : good sense : judgment

c : generally accepted belief challenges what has become accepted wisdom among many historians— Robert Darnton

d : accumulated philosophical or scientific learning : knowledge

2 : a wise attitude, belief, or course of action

3 : the teachings of the ancient wise men

Wisdom

noun (2)

Definition of Wisdom (Entry 2 of 2)

: a didactic book included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and corresponding to the Wisdom of Solomon in the Protestant Apocrypha — see Bible Table

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about wisdom

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Choose the Right Synonym for wisdom

Noun (1)

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 wisdom in a Sentence

Noun (1)

She has gained a lot of wisdom over the years. a young person of great wisdom He had the wisdom to stop before he said too much. I fail to see the wisdom in doing that. He shared a valuable bit of wisdom with his daughter. These stories offer plenty of wisdom to readers.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

But other social media accounts known for pro-government propaganda argued for patience, saying that wisdom favors choosing the right time and means to respond. — New York Times, "Trump Says Iran Appears Responsible for Saudi Attack but That He Wants to Avoid War," 14 Sep. 2019 In this episode of Go To Bed With Me, Dr. Lee shows off her nighttime skincare routine and drops major wisdom on keeping your skin clear and healthy. — Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, "Watch Dr. Pimple Popper's Nighttime Skin Routine," 10 Sep. 2019 As a relatively young music director — born in 1977, he's considered a Gen-Xer — Masur will no doubt be called on for wisdom about how orchestras can attract younger audiences. — Jim Higgins, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "New music director Ken-David Masur begins Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's big year of transition," 4 Sep. 2019 At the same time, the show has the wisdom to keep things zany, with regular injections of the surreal and the self-conscious. — Emily Nussbaum, The New Yorker, "The Niche Celebrity Satire of “BH90210”," 2 Sep. 2019 Keanu’s role as unlikely purveyor of Zen wisdom got its ultimate boost from The Matrix. — Aja Romano, Vox, "Keanu Reeves, explained," 16 Aug. 2019 Prevailing wisdom has long held that spinal-cord injuries represent severed connections between the brain and the extremities. — Cassandra Willyard, Scientific American, "How a Revolutionary Technique Got People with Spinal-Cord Injuries Back on Their Feet," 7 Aug. 2019 After holding the title as the most expensive defender for 20 months, the Dutch international has offered a few words of wisdom on how to cope with the weight of a world record transfer fee. — SI.com, "Virgil van Dijk Offers Harry Maguire Advice After Becoming World's Most Expensive Defender," 6 Aug. 2019 Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge—even wisdom. — Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, "Toni Morrison’s Kaleidoscopic Vision of Literature," 6 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wisdom.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.