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
DeSantis argued that Trump’s order actually encourages states to take commonsense steps to protect the public from the new technology. Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2025 That's why today's proposal lays out a clear, predictable, commonsense approach that's grounded in the law and the science. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
That is why reform is needed – not as an ideological exercise, but as common sense. The Week Uk, TheWeek, 27 Jan. 2026 But aside from calling for some bland common sense regulations that should be uncontroversial to any sane person, Roher doesn’t attempt to make anyone agree with him. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • That focus on efficiency included a coldly logical approach to salary-cap management, and an update of the bruising defense that Belichick had pioneered with 49ers old rivals, the 1980s iteration of the New York Giants.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Trump has taken this tradition to its logical extreme by exempting from legal consequences his supporters and those following his instructions—seeming to assert his supremacy over not just federal but state laws, which exceeds even the wide powers conferred by the Constitution.
    Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The state police Troop H barracks are nearby but prudence suggested assigning a State Police trooper to the building would be best way to provide an immediate response to a problem.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Action is delayed in the name of prudence.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Columbia Heights was as prepared for an immigration crackdown as could be reasonably expected of any community or school system—but there has been nothing reasonable about the ICE terror campaign.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Finding that type of player, for a reasonable price, is the difficult part.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Zendaya will portray Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, in the movie, according to Empire magazine.
    Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
  • There is wisdom that comes with experience, and that applies to many aspects of life, including beauty.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • The ledger is the foundation of reasoned conclusion.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • In that sense, the film answers its own question.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
  • To get a better sense of that, CBS News Bay Area spoke with Arkesha Baquet, co-owner of Li'l Dizzy's Café in New Orleans, home of Super Bowl LIX.
    Max Darrow, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Savvy therapists are leveraging AI in sensible and vital ways.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Villa’s second goal came from a sensible decision by Morgan Rogers after an attacking corner was cleared.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Jan. 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 3 Feb. 2026.

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