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
The vote was a victory for common sense over NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) resistance. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026 Councilman Raul Campillo is the only one with common sense. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • So, the logical move would be to turn to the draft, and there’s a strong possibility that the Panthers will do just that.
    Mike Kaye March 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Geographically, Minnesota, Memphis and New Orleans would be the most logical candidates to go from West to East.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • This is not the time for fiscal prudence for the Sharks.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Even if one accepts that perfectly reasonable people are happy to live in a bubble with strangers for months in hopes of achieving love, fame or a cash prize, someone inevitably is cast to bring the crazy, er, conversation-sparking personality.
    Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • That seems like a totally reasonable way of judging her.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The name of the basilica next to the cloister, Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, is indicative of its past, a Catholic basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary over what was once a pagan temple to the Roman god of wisdom, Minerva.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
  • But the relentless words of wisdom, and the shouting-to-the-rafters way they’re delivered, soon become tiresome.
    Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 19 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
  • That sense of being caught in the middle is echoed by Jewish Americans themselves.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The sense of shame never really goes away.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Until the post- settlement world, where college athletes can be paid by schools via revenue-sharing and sign lucrative NIL deals, this system seemed sensible and withstood legal challenges.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Mar. 2026
  • And customers were tended to by firm and aging waitresses in sensible shoes and uniforms with aprons.
    Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 16 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 22 Mar. 2026.

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