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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
Noun
That said, proceed with a little common sense here. Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2025 Different countries and regions have their own classification quirks, often leading to results that defy common sense. Aleksandra Bal, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Several of the court’s conservative members suggested an opt-out for sensitive subjects should be common sense. Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2025 All this underscores what common sense should dictate. David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • As a result, that has been seen as the most logical landing spot all along.
    Troy Finnegan‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • Returning samples of the Martian surface to Earth for study is the logical next step in these efforts.
    Bruce Jakosky, Space.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Known for his humility, gentle spirit, prudence, and warmth, Pope Leo XIV's leadership offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our educational mission.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
  • Exercising that prudence requires the consideration of several factors.
    Ellen P. Aprill, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There is a very reasonable bet that something like this happens.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • This level needs to be reasonable and proportionate to the risk.
    Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • The word wisdom in China or any place that's quite old, that is completely out of style.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 13 May 2025
  • The prevailing wisdom going into tonight was that Boston had figured itself out, and that the Celtics were about to put their superiority on display the rest of the way.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • The story is like a gentle hug, wrapping you up in a sense of comfort and contentment.
    American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • In that sense, her politics are written into her portfolio.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • With any luck these sensible changes will not be casualties of Trump’s high-risk omnibus strategy.
    Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 10 May 2025
  • Another year for Howard, who made nine league starts due to injury and loss of form among his younger peers, seems sensible, along with a loan elsewhere for Luke McNicholas.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Our people have a horse sense for what good work is.
    Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024
  • His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
    Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024
Adjective
  • What’s more, behavioral economics suggests that our deviations from rational, deliberate behavior has some predictable structure.
    Jens Ludwig, Time, 15 May 2025
  • The ban on water fluoridation by the Florida Legislature (SB 700) and the outspoken views of the state surgeon general are the antithesis of rational public health measures.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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