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
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 Instead, Republicans in Congress should pass commonsense reforms, such as Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform and Association Health Plans, that would lower healthcare costs for Americans without increasing government spending. Ken Calvert, Oc Register, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
Huang’s comments may one day be remembered as the peak of the AI bubble—the classic moment that occurs in every bubble when hubris and self-delusion overtake common sense. Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026 Requiring annual reporting is a common sense step. Stuart Appelbaum, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Our first attempt at pursuing this logical path was the Drake Equation, which had, as its final term, the lifetime of an average intelligent, technologically advanced civilization.
    Big Think, Big Think, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Throughout that time the Red Sox were viewed as a logical landing spot, but while the club ultimately opted to pursue Alex Bregman, Arenado acknowledged the thought of playing for Boston crossed his mind.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Davion Mitchell has been here before, the risk-reward crossroads between going full speed, shoulder first through a hard screen or practicing prudence.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Posey seems to want to pass this off as prudence.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • That is if the letter writer doesn’t mind allowing them in her backyard for a few weeks while others find more reasonable ways to address this problem.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 28 Feb. 2026
  • As part of the lawsuit, Hartsuch claims Board of Medicine rules require that investigations be conducted and resolved within a reasonable time, and that the board knew or should have known that its delays would prevent Hartsuch from working as an ER physician.
    Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The simple strategy that spawned the Aflac duck The experiences that a long-serving CEO accumulates bring wisdom, Amos says.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026
  • There was appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity, as well as the wisdom and words, that Holtz provided to them during their lives, but it was muddied by his support of a political figure so many passionately opposed, and/or despised.
    Mac Engel March 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 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
  • The couple said their now 15-year-old daughter is slowly rebuilding her sense of safety.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026
  • And there’s a sense of urgency that people feel to get back into life, do things right, and be more present.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Regional American wines are a strength of this particular list, and cocktails are sensible and executed with an eye to matching the caliber of the food.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
  • The Venus-Uranus sextile strikes your sensible 6th house and your delicate 8th house, so be wary of sensitive topics.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 4 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 8 Mar. 2026.

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