commonsense 1 of 2

Definition of commonsensenext

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
If consumers receive such commonsense protections, what’s at stake? Carter Dougherty, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026 License plate readers are a practical, commonsense tool that helps law enforcement respond faster and, ultimately, frees up officers to focus on community engagement and prevention. Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
Falesnik frames it less as a sustainability halo and more as operational common sense. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 Mar. 2026 Science, experience and common sense tell us that vaccines protect the health of kids. Dr. Rahul K. Parikh, Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Our first attempt at pursuing this logical path was the Drake Equation, which had, as its final term, the lifetime of an average intelligent, technologically advanced civilization.
    Big Think, Big Think, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Throughout that time the Red Sox were viewed as a logical landing spot, but while the club ultimately opted to pursue Alex Bregman, Arenado acknowledged the thought of playing for Boston crossed his mind.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Davion Mitchell has been here before, the risk-reward crossroads between going full speed, shoulder first through a hard screen or practicing prudence.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Posey seems to want to pass this off as prudence.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • And since the liquor has a reasonable 17% ABV, even with a few ounces of sparkling wine, the Spa Spritz is a low-alcohol cocktail that won't drag you down the next morning.
    Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Still, Bale has a couple of nice moments as Mandras, a Greek fisherman who loses his fiancée (Penelope Cruz) to a mandolin-playing pacifist (Cage, of course) but, all told, is pretty reasonable about it.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The simple strategy that spawned the Aflac duck The experiences that a long-serving CEO accumulates bring wisdom, Amos says.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026
  • There was appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity, as well as the wisdom and words, that Holtz provided to them during their lives, but it was muddied by his support of a political figure so many passionately opposed, and/or despised.
    Mac Engel March 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 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 small, walkable village of Tubac is the ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway, one with dozens of unique galleries that embrace a sense of place in the Sonoran Desert.
    Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • But there was something profound about the sense of connection and engagement that all kinds of writing gave him.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Regional American wines are a strength of this particular list, and cocktails are sensible and executed with an eye to matching the caliber of the food.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
  • The Venus-Uranus sextile strikes your sensible 6th house and your delicate 8th house, so be wary of sensitive topics.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 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
  • Our people have a horse sense for what good work is.
    Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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