commonsense 1 of 2

Definition of commonsensenext

common sense

2 of 2

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
Americans for Responsible Innovation called a reliable shutdown system a commonsense safeguard. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Requiring proof of citizenship is a commonsense safeguard that will help maintain confidence in our elections and strengthen trust in the outcomes. — Belinda Keiser, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026
Noun
Burke said the outcome could shape common sense gun safety laws across the country. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 Biggest upset of its kind in Georgia history Stephens County defeated Hart County 44-28 in a game that defied the rule of common opponents, if not common sense, last week. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Our tortured contemporary education is a logical outgrowth of its origin story.
    — Kamau Bobb October 21, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
  • But with wingers like Temwa Chawinga and Michelle Cooper, the logical spot for her was striker.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 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
  • The old boy was perfectly reasonable, explaining the difference between federal reimbursement and state reimbursement, and the speed that agencies move on the different levels.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The enforcement stems from Spotify’s requirement that family plan members reside at the same address—a seemingly reasonable policy in concept.
    — Nick Indge, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Wherever fear has replaced curiosity, wherever people have stopped listening, wherever power has outrun wisdom.
    — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Somehow, the book is compact enough to fit into a bag, easy to dip into and draw from Le Guin’s wellspring of wisdoms.
    — Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Investors should also look at a fund's 30-day SEC yield to get a sense of what the company is generating in terms of income.
    — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Government buildings were vandalized in multiple cities, contributing to a sense of national crisis that could boost leading far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen six months before elections.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Before expanding cameras into every neighborhood, there are more sensible, actionable solutions.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The California Coastal Act just turned 50, balancing sensible development with conservation and public access.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 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 24 Oct. 2026.

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