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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
The Trump administration is committed to restoring common sense to our student visa system; no lawsuit, this or any other, is going to change that. Filip Timotija, The Hill, 6 June 2025 It is staffed by a small group of volunteers, some of whom are experts and some of whom are applying common sense. Nick Nuttall, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 Nevertheless, the Moon is at odds with Mercury, which makes your emotions grab hold of you and overrule your common sense. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 3 June 2025 Unfortunately, a modicum of common sense or decency is not employed by these guys. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • While nothing is set in stone yet, this weekend would be the most logical time.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025
  • In an interview with People about the move, Bateman said twice that most people listen to podcasts on phones, and therefore the telecom industry is a logical one for podcasters to enter.
    Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Waugh: Fundamentally, Newcastle want to significantly bolster Howe’s squad while maintaining financial prudence.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 June 2025
  • The path forward will necessitate not only compassion but also prudence—and a firm grasp of the limits of what even a generous nation can achieve.
    Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Conrad is a 6-3 defenseman who can skate and has shown reasonable offense in the Q.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Recent verdicts have far exceeded historical benchmarks, and without reasonable limits, runaway jury awards threaten the city’s ability to fund essential services.
    Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Some are quick to point out that graduation rate may not be the best number to judge the success of a community college or even the wisdom of enrolling.
    Michael B. Horn, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • The accepted wisdom goes something like this: since the dawn of our species, human communities have been stitched together by the belonging impulse.
    Dr. Rami Kaminski, Time, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • There is not an American President—Bill Clinton, George H. W. or George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, or Donald Trump—who has dealt with Netanyahu and not, sooner or later, come away with a lingering sense of resentment.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
  • That is thanks, in large part, to Meland’s sense of childlike wonder—not so far from that of fellow synthesizer maestros Dan Deacon and Anna Meredith.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • My students’ affront felt as sensible to me as expecting anatomy classes to flag each splay of flesh.
    erin Khuê Ninh June 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025
  • Assuming the Guardians don’t chase down the Tigers and assert themselves as a juggernaut over the next six weeks, the most sensible method of buying would be an opportunistic move to address an issue not just for 2025, but for the future.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 16 June 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
  • This may be a financially rational move, but also a negative signal to shareholders looking for leverage.
    Alexander S. Blume, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • But the over-the-top operation in South Park generated a nationwide debate, not all of it rational, and a unified response of condemnation from San Diego Democratic leaders, including four members of the local congressional delegation.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

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