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
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
The difference is the true deficit, as the Legislature’s nonpartisan budget analyst Gabe Petek sees it — and as common sense dictates. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 9 July 2026 Costa Mesa and other cities are saving lives … by imposing common sense laws on operators. Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Gatewood agrees that Chessy was a logical addition from the Wonderland canon.
    Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
  • Jeff Hettick, vice president of Agile Mission Systems at GA-ASI, said adapting those capabilities to maritime operations was a logical next step.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 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
  • Judging by the latest Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness, that seems a reasonable assumption.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2026
  • The political statements made in Nolan’s version are the same ones made in Homer’s poem, or at the very least a reasonable interpretation of the anti-war sentiments therein.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • The day prior, on July 13, Zendaya wore vintage Sophia Webster gladiator sandals—further proving that, while Athena may be the goddess of wisdom, Zendaya is the goddess of press tours.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 15 July 2026
  • Political theory students still study their practical wisdom, often after devouring centuries of more speculative and theoretical texts.
    Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 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
  • With the loss of local NBC affiliates, Telemundo, nine regional sports channels, and 32 national channels, Fubo made the sensible but rare decision to lower subscription prices in December.
    Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
  • Roseman’s decision to bring back Goedert and pair him with a draft pick (second-round pick Eli Stowers) and inexpensive free agents was a more sensible solution.
    Zach Berman, New York Times, 16 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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