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
Legal realism dates back to the 1930s, based on the commonsense critique that predictions about the law require some incorporation of the facts rather than purely abstract notions of legal rights. Elizabeth C. Tippett, The Conversation, 29 June 2026 This is a commonsense safety upgrade that would enable drivers to tether their horses and prevent them from straying. Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Noun
Talarico said solving the border problem will take a common sense approach. Rachel Royster july 22, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026 At the same time, my support for open carry is grounded in responsibility, safety, and common sense, not extreme rhetoric. Yoni Anijar, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Sholl also notes that the largest station groups may not immediately rush to buy competitors because many of the most logical acquirers are already shouldering a lot of debt.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 23 July 2026
  • At a glance, de-normalizing alcohol consumption seems like a logical next step after cracking down on smoking.
    Tim Brinkhof, Time, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • The World Economic Forum calls it financial nihilism — the conclusion that the system no longer rewards prudence, driving a cohort toward crypto bets, prediction markets, and raided retirement accounts.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026
  • But not necessarily the knowledge, confidence or contacts to take it to next stage of monetization, strike collaborative partnerships or exercise operational prudence.
    Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Just as reasonable public health officials had warned, measles is now finding vulnerable victims across the country.
    Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026
  • No reasonable person would argue against providing animals with excellent medical care.
    Marianne Pizzitola, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • For years, the prevailing wisdom among retail experts was that luxury shopping would steadily migrate online.
    John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026
  • His music gives me chills, transmits cosmic waves of light, wisdom, and divine emotions.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 21 July 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
  • In that sense, the conditions included in the Garnacho deal must have a realistic possibility of not occurring in order for the deal to be recorded, at least initially, as a loan.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • With real couples, the sense of love and familiarity was already present.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • The pumps are designed with a delicate almond toe, a conservative high-cut vamp, and a sensible heel, measuring around three inches.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 July 2026
  • Every notetaker that joins a meeting traces back to a reasonably sensible individual choice to keep a credible set of notes in an endless sea of meetings.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 24 July 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 30 Jul. 2026.

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