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
Permitting timelines which regularly extend across decades remain the real enemy of American mineral independence; leveraging what already exists is a commonsense nod to simple energy reality. — David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Americans for Responsible Innovation called a reliable shutdown system a commonsense safeguard. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
This is reorienting representation in Arkansas based on common sense, based on compassion and based on showing up. — Stephen Fowler, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 So here is a common sense approach the NFL should adapt to avoid these public relations black eyes – because the league gets a lot of coverage over national anthem performances that go awry. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Think about your beliefs, discard your prejudices and be logical and consistent.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 12 Nov. 2026
  • To those who know his ideas, the notion of a Spinozist biographer will seem about as logical as a vegan butcher or a pacifist contract killer.
    — Kieran Setiya, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The word prudence seems to be missing as more and more debt is issued.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Investors also have little confidence that fiscal prudence will return anytime soon.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • March 21 – April 19 Someone else’s disappointment could make a reasonable decision feel surprisingly difficult.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Aries March 21 – April 19 Someone else’s disappointment could make a reasonable decision feel surprisingly difficult.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Again, facts aren’t really the point here, and there is no wisdom in debating a quack whose brain has literally been infected by a worm.
    — Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Local wisdom dictates the best shop is the one closest to you, but here are eight greats, new and old.
    — Allecia Vermillion, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • But that won’t keep them from trying, and when people’s passions are aroused, and emotions crowd out reasoned thought, anything can happen.
    — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In layman’s terms, critical thinking is the ability to think independently by questioning claims, weighing evidence, and making reasoned judgments.
    — Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • At a free, all-day festival in Newark, hundreds gathered to celebrate Indian culture, with live music, traditional clothing and food creating a sense of connection to home.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Democrats know what drove those voters away in the first place — cost of living, rent, grocery bills, public safety and a sense among working families that the party talks past them and even down to them.
    — Bradley Honan, New York Daily News, 8 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • She became nationally recognized as an advocate for safer schools and more sensible gun laws.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026
  • But for a work truck, an outdoor rig, or a family hauler that sees real weather, the Weatherbeater is the sensible buy.
    — Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 10 Nov. 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
  • His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
    — Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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