as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters
pure horse sense should tell you it's dangerous to play with matches
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Recent Examples of horse sense
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
My bet is that Smith has that political horse sense.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 8 June 2023
But Lord knows, there’s a mountain of acumen and perspicacity or, in plain terms, good horse sense stored in those minds and souls.
—Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Jan. 2023
Back in 2011, Daniels, a former Bush White House official and two-term Indiana governor known for his conservative horse sense and low-key manner, passed on a White House run and went on to accept the Purdue presidency.
—Frederick Hess, Forbes, 16 June 2022
In an age when Hollywood’s highest-profile parent-child relationship is that between Britney Spears and her father, what could be more refreshing than the homespun horse sense of the Howard boys?
—Peter Tonguette, WSJ, 7 Oct. 2021
People have many ways of talking about intuition: gut, nose, sixth sense, horse sense, Spidey-sense.
—Steve Kolowich, Washington Post, 20 June 2019
His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
—Southern Living, 14 May 2018
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
My bet is that Smith has that political horse sense.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 8 June 2023
But Lord knows, there’s a mountain of acumen and perspicacity or, in plain terms, good horse sense stored in those minds and souls.
—Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Jan. 2023
Back in 2011, Daniels, a former Bush White House official and two-term Indiana governor known for his conservative horse sense and low-key manner, passed on a White House run and went on to accept the Purdue presidency.
—Frederick Hess, Forbes, 16 June 2022
In an age when Hollywood’s highest-profile parent-child relationship is that between Britney Spears and her father, what could be more refreshing than the homespun horse sense of the Howard boys?
—Peter Tonguette, WSJ, 7 Oct. 2021
People have many ways of talking about intuition: gut, nose, sixth sense, horse sense, Spidey-sense.
—Steve Kolowich, Washington Post, 20 June 2019
His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
—Southern Living, 14 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for horse sense
Noun
-
Waugh: Fundamentally, Newcastle want to significantly bolster Howe’s squad while maintaining financial prudence.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
12 June 2025
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The path forward will necessitate not only compassion but also prudence—and a firm grasp of the limits of what even a generous nation can achieve.—
Andy J. Semotiuk,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
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Many family members and friends have offered nuggets of wisdom to my son during his graduation.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
6 June 2025
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When the residents of Salem last saw Hogestyn, the character he's played since 1986 was imparting some poignant words of wisdom on his grandson, Tate (Leo Howard).—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
3 June 2025
Noun
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The recent wave of popularity sparked by the game’s youngest stars — including Fever guard Caitlin Clark, who missed her fourth straight game with a left quadriceps strain — have brought a new sense of appreciation from players both veteran and new.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
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The full trailer emphasizes the sense of community among the crew members, showcasing budding romances, space adventures, and an explosive science experiment.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
8 June 2025
Noun
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It is staffed by a small group of volunteers, some of whom are experts and some of whom are applying common sense.—
Nick Nuttall,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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Nevertheless, the Moon is at odds with Mercury, which makes your emotions grab hold of you and overrule your common sense.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
3 June 2025
Noun
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With his signature blend of lo-fi aesthetics and sharp, high-concept wit, Reece delivers another visionary exploration of Oklahoma and a darkly comic meditation on the fractured American soul.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
5 June 2025
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Black Bag succeeds on its style and chilly wit, and on the cool, nervy appeal of its two stars.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 June 2025
Noun
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First of all, for a period of time, starvation was the practical policy of the Israeli government.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
6 June 2025
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Climate change policy: Shifting rapidly under Trump administration Last year, the average level of carbon dioxide rose faster over the previous year than at any other point since the recordings began, Scripps reported in January.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Horse sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horse%20sense. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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