commonsense 1 of 2

Definition of commonsensenext

common sense

2 of 2

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
Ideas that comport with folk theories of politics—all leaders are equally corrupt ; immigrants steal jobs; policy problems have easy, commonsense solutions—prevail over the findings of subject-matter experts. Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 One hardly needs a list of blue zones to think of commonsense ways to improve life span. Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Noun
The City has the power to do the right thing, exercise common sense and end this attack on innocent people. Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 Yet common sense should push Barça out onto the market when landing the Champions League for the first time in over a decade is a main goal. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • The common thought is that Boris is actually Doctor Strange, the magic-wielder being a logical choice for an appearance alongside Doom (or at least some evil variant of him).
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • What to See and Do In Duluth The North Shore begins where I-35 ends in Duluth—a city that is a great weekend getaway by itself and a logical spot to spend at least one night before your North Shore Scenic Drive trip.
    Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • What looks like prudence to one side can look like over-caution to the other.
    Abdulrahman Hammad, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In those conditions, United’s prudence makes financial sense.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • What starts as a reasonable desire to prevent disease can escalate into constant testing and rigid routines built around an ever-growing roster of supplements and experimental remedies.
    John Vorwald, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The argument about competition against girl athletes is a reasonable one, though apparently very limited in number of events and any advantages.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The longtime Oklahoma beekeeper is imparting his wisdom to Kateri (Angelina LookingGlass), a former foster kid of his who has recently turned up out of the blue.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Alexandra's favorite things to do while traveling include hiking to spectacular heights, enjoying new cuisines, and gaining wisdom and new perspectives from cultures around the world.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Voyager starts to make more sense when the bike also needs to handle groceries, school gear, or part of the morning drop-off routine.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • For communities facing population loss, an aging workforce, or struggling to retain young professionals and skilled workers, attracting new residents can make economic sense.
    Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The conversation in Springfield about sensible housing reforms shouldn’t end, but given there’s no time to lose, complementary ideas can help bridge the gap between now and whenever Illinois gets its act together.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Governments and school districts also have a role to play by adopting sensible policies and regulations.
    Larry Magid, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Anheuser-Busch will have to see how viewers react to its latest ad to determine if consumers think the Clydesdales still present good horse sense or represent a horse of a different color.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
  • 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 Aug. 2026.

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