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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
Noun
A lot of it's just common sense stuff that causes a lot the problems. Peter D'abrosca , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2025 Maralyn, in Elmhirst’s telling, was almost certainly more responsible than Maurice for the couple’s ultimate triumph over nature and common sense. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 9 July 2025 This is a clear violation of federal law and common sense. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025 This is a big win for common sense and good on DHS for finally seeing the light! Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Goldman: The Winnipeg Jets and Wild are logical picks here, although neither team really improved this summer.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • There is no logical reason why you should not be entitled to retroactive benefit payments.
    Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • But other supporters of the former president chose to ask for prudence in negotiations.
    Mauricio Savarese, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
  • Scouting in stealth: Heat scouring for success (if) at No. 20 in NBA draft ASK IRA: Is practicing prudence essential in Heat not mortgaging future in a Durant deal?
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Isolated locations could face a reasonable worst-case scenario of five to seven inches or more, according to the weather service.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • There were a few reasonable opinion drafts, a couple of speeches with a Q&A transcribed, and one very excellent and complete essay on civil rights.
    Ezra Fox July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • There are many great cocktail books out there, penned by incredibly talented bartenders who are more than willing to share their wisdom.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2025
  • People listen more attentively to the vice president than the assistant, regardless of their wisdom.
    Gamze Acar Bayraktaroglu, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Ninety-eight games are enough to get a sense of where the A’s stand heading into the All-Star break.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
  • Other elements of The Scout reinforce our sense of this transient atmosphere.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Hunting Wives consistently prioritizes steamy scenes over sensible plotting or nuanced characters, juicy twists over deep emotions or big ideas.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2025
  • But the different branches have been largely united over President Donald Trump’s accomplishments such as a stronger economy, a more efficient government and a more sensible approach to foreign affairs.
    Nicole Russell, USA Today, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • Our people have a horse sense for what good work is.
    Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024
  • His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
    Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024
Adjective
  • The regime’s more rational elements may eventually prevail and reduce tensions.
    Roya Hakakian, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
  • A lot of court cases have been dealing with these cancellations as a group, highlighting the lack of scientific—or seemingly rational—input into the decisions to cut funding for entire categories of research.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.

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