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
Which is why, Calvert says, California must join other states and enact commonsense voter ID and citizenship requirements that can attract bipartisan support. Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026 Double jeopardy by any commonsense definition. CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
There is a lot of rigmarole there that is conveniently hidden when positing this as a common sense thing. Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026 And an underdog who stayed in the contest in defiance of steep odds and, seemingly, common sense. Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • So the two simplest logical paths for explaining neutrino mass led to the same place.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026
  • One logical conclusion is a return to the early days of publishing, when only the super-wealthy (or those lucky enough to have a rich patron) could afford to write for a living.
    Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Austria retained possession of Venetia, and prudence dictated to the delegates at the Congress of Vienna that continued Austrian predominance in Italy should guarantee the peninsula against French influence.
    Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The two big investments in their front seven — particularly Phillips’ whopping four-year, $120 million deal — also meant the Panthers would have to exercise financial prudence with their other additions, at least one of which was a head-scratcher.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In 2012, 73 percent of Coloradans approved Amendment 65, which instructs our legislature and congressional delegation to support a federal constitutional amendment allowing reasonable limits on campaign spending.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Afterward, in his hallway scrum with mostly local reporters, Auriemma settled down and was more himself, more reasonable.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For now, Buchanon is just focused on learning the scheme, his teammates and trying to impart some wisdom on the Horned Frogs’ younger offensive linemen.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
  • As her mother, Linda Emond's Susan gets only a few moments to shine — and milks every single one for all its worth, doling out wince-worthy advice rooted in real (if outdated) wisdom, as many mothers do.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 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
  • Often, this is a useful guideline, and limits, in general, are very much the friend of the fiction writer, but there are certain stories that benefit from a sense of instability.
    Nina Mesfin, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The vibe is certainly formal, but in the stylish sense of the word—don’t be afraid to make conversation with the friendly concierge or front desk staff.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Did all the sensible Pentagon brass get fired for wearing dresses or something?
    Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
  • All that is needed is some sensible leadership of the sort being put on display in New York City.
    Steve Zeidman, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 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 12 Apr. 2026.

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