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
Texas should take a firm, commonsense approach that protects public safety and closes loopholes. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026 Like most parents, my wife and I counted on the commonsense idea that having pets around would help teach our daughter responsibility and maybe empathy. Bill Strickland, Parents, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
Trump has called its safeguards common sense. Julie Carr Smyth, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026 Yet such blanket statements defy common sense. Peter Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Read it and explain to me, in detail, every flaw in my argument, every logical inconsistency, and every way my evidence is weak.
    Vivienne Ming, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
  • This is the logical, expedient, correct thing to do.
    Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The two big investments in their front seven — particularly Phillips’ whopping four-year, $120 million deal — also meant the Panthers would have to exercise financial prudence with their other additions, at least one of which was a head-scratcher.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • This is not the time for fiscal prudence for the Sharks.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Even if one accepts that perfectly reasonable people are happy to live in a bubble with strangers for months in hopes of achieving love, fame or a cash prize, someone inevitably is cast to bring the crazy, er, conversation-sparking personality.
    Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • That seems like a totally reasonable way of judging her.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Kevin MacEgan said his father’s honor, wisdom, kindness and character will serve as his lasting legacy.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026
  • All of this means Anthropic is creating something akin to investing superpowers whose wisdom will be parceled out by humans.
    Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 26 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
  • That sense of being caught in the middle is echoed by Jewish Americans themselves.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The sense of shame never really goes away.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • From an ecological or evolutionary perspective, those same decisions can look adaptive, efficient and sensible given the environments in which they are made.
    Alejandro Hortal-Sánchez, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Just team it with a pair of wide-leg pants and a trench coat for a luxe workwear ensemble in an instant, then add a touch of monochromatic contrast with a black tote bag and sensible granny heels.
    Clare Holden, Glamour, 23 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 28 Mar. 2026.

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