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
These discussions are grounded in the commonsense idea that those who actually experienced and lived through the foster care system are best positioned to find solutions. Scott Turner, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026 The governor should take a page from Richards and the commonsense solution of responsibly reducing the prison population. Steve Zeidman, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
Instead, policy should focus on common sense and functional health literacy. Justin Kissinger, Fortune, 2 May 2026 Following these steps is a triumph of common sense. Arne Duncan, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • As far as the second outside cornerback is concerned, the most logical answer would be JuJu Brents, who looked impressive in his two starts in 2025 prior to sustaining a foot injury in Week 11 that required season-ending surgery.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
  • On one hand, when a team selects in the lottery, the logical next step is a draft party, part of the hype of the next newcomer to be marketed.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • That prudence by supporters of the center, including County Commissioner Raquel Regalado and Judge Steve Leifman, is now being used against them to keep the center in limbo.
    Jim DeFede, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • By all accounts, being a milquetoast is a sort of vice—cowardice masquerading as prudence.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In a debate for the Democratic nomination for the Senate in Iowa this month, one of the moderators, Erin Murphy, asked the candidates, Josh Turek and Zach Wahls, both state legislators, a reasonable, if downbeat, question.
    Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • The tuition payments may be a gift presented without strings, but there are still plenty of reasonable expectations that come with a college education.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • What is striking about this moment is that America is not merely acknowledging the Jewish roots of some of its values historically, but openly turning again to a distinctly Jewish practice as a possible source of wisdom for the present.
    Ari Berman, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
  • Moxley imparted some wisdom onto Ospreay as the two appeared to be on the top of a parking garage training, recalling when things were so simple in pro wrestling before the weight of the world bore down on his shoulders.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 May 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
  • That wouldn't have made sense if Rodgers weren't on the team.
    Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
  • What doesn’t make sense is why the same amenity is not available at the airport in West Palm Beach.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • However, learning when and how to prune a dogwood tree is sensible to help keep your specimen looking and feeling its best.
    Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 11 May 2026
  • According to Arthur Ream, a computer information systems lecturer at Bentley University, the home-as-data-center model is plausible, already happening, and a sensible answer for inference workloads, if not training.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 9 May 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 17 May. 2026.

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