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
While her bill never gained traction, Cross said Wednesday that the reforms were commonsense steps toward protecting Florida’s marine wildlife. Max Chesnes, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026 The only blue-state governor willing to take that leap thus far is Colorado’s governor, Jared Polis, a commonsense leader on more than just this issue. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Noun
Humans deal with these situations using common sense but current AI can freeze when encountering a situation not present in its training data. New Atlas, 20 June 2026 As to what there is to see along the way, Miss Manners hopes that whoever follows will have the common courtesy, if not the common sense, to follow at a modest distance and with eyes elsewhere — no ifs, ands, buts or butts. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Following the logical evidence feels like Detective 101, but their boss is gunning for an arrest so Gonzales gives in to Baxter’s impulse.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 24 June 2026
  • Under this framework, participating engineering teams must successfully demonstrate operational quantum hardware that utilizes a specific range of low-hundreds logical qubits before the 2028 deadline.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Considering there were only 33 appearances this past season, such Heat prudence hardly could be viewed as insulting.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
  • This is how a title is won, with prudence and luck and a foresight that becomes apparent in the afterglow of victory.
    Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • To prove religious discrimination in the workplace, a party needs to prove disparate treatment or that the employer failed to make reasonable accommodations for someone trying to practice their religious beliefs.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026
  • Use earphones for music and movies and keep conversations at a reasonable volume.
    Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Their journey spans icy fjords, Byzantine intrigue, and the fabled Silk Road, blending Viking grit with ancient Chinese wisdom, unexpected alliances, and a touch of magic.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 25 June 2026
  • Here the enduring wisdom of Indian spiritual philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, Ojai’s informal patron saint, serves even to hold a recent incursion of ultra-rich to account.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 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
  • Against that backdrop, some say the ships are offering a surprising sense of connection.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Since relocating to Los Angeles, Gonzalez’s small downtown team has scaled Happy Organics into a design-forward brand carried by major retailers, anchored in local maker communities and a sense of purpose.
    Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Whatever the case, your approach will be doable and sensible.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 June 2026
  • Any sensible person wants a diversified portfolio.
    Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 23 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on commonsense

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster