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common sense

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun common sense contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of common sense are judgment, sense, and wisdom. While all these words mean "ability to reach intelligent conclusions," common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

Where would judgment be a reasonable alternative to common sense?

While the synonyms judgment and common sense are close in meaning, judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

When would sense be a good substitute for common sense?

The synonyms sense and common sense are sometimes interchangeable, but sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence.

a choice showing good sense

In what contexts can wisdom take the place of common sense?

The words wisdom and common sense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average.

a leader of rare wisdom

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 commonsense
Adjective
While speaking with Fox News Digital, Bateman also urged a commonsense approach to the conversation around the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was killed while riding a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2025 This multi-billion dollar industry preys on the poorest families in their most desperate times while spending millions of dollars lobbying against commonsense pretrial reform that might impact the industry’s bottomline. Rebecca Wallace, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
But Stanfield in particular also serves as a moral compass, or at least a dose of common sense, offering ballast to the proceedings. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2025 In terms of possible players being involved, the common sense lens turns toward Towns, OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson from there. Sam Amick, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • On one hand, winning another chip will be at the forefront, so managing players toward the end of the regular season would be logical.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • So adding a unit in Nashville was the next logical move.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Additionally, a boom-and-bust cycle in the early 2000s informs some of the company’s prudence on expansion.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Taiwan’s military should exercise prudence in its rules of engagement and not assume that every close call is intentional.
    JOEL WUTHNOW, Foreign Affairs, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There's no-contact check-in and the rooms are reasonable.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Injecting an element of randomness and uncertainty into the process is reasonable, given that in the real world, measurements are never exact.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The prevailing wisdom of the past emphasized the need for more protein in younger folks who are experiencing rapid growth and development.
    Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Oct. 2025
  • As our nation’s 250th anniversary approaches in 2026, may we be guided by their wisdom.
    John H Bolthouse, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Deliberative democracy is the idea that decision-making and governance are arrived at through thoughtful, reasoned and respectful dialogue.
    Lee Bebout, The Conversation, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Eliminating the need for manual adjustments—whether for meals or for any other changes during the day—would give people with diabetes a tremendous sense of freedom.
    Carrie Arnold, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025
  • That choice can shape your income, your sense of purpose, and the arc of your career.
    Suzy Welch, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Here's the reasons why investing in this model is the most sensible option of the season.
    Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Even sensible yet fashionable sneakers are on sale, with the New Balance T500 Tennis Sneakers making an unbeatable selection for $80.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Our people have a horse sense for what good work is.
    Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024
  • His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
    Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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