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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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
-
Lopez also has an ambitious and uninhibited way of speaking that is far removed from the prudence of players from older generations.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
4 July 2025
-
While this action may convince some that China is a paper tiger, for others, especially Iran’s Arab rivals, it is seen as a sign of prudence.—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
In over-the-top Cancun fashion, the property boasts a 40,000-square-foot spa, though its deep grounding in the traditional treatments and ancient wisdom of the region gives it purpose and peace.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
-
As a father, Jonathan seeks to guide his son in the best possible ways, providing wisdom, humor and support whenever needed.—
Kyle Thomas,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Among the mind-body benefits are better flexibility, more core engagement, total body strengthening, and a sense of empowerment.—
Amy Wilkinson,
SELF,
1 July 2025
-
Those who can surrender a sense of control and stay curious throughout this new journey will feel the most aligned.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Maralyn, in Elmhirst’s telling, was almost certainly more responsible than Maurice for the couple’s ultimate triumph over nature and common sense.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
9 July 2025
-
This is a big win for common sense and good on DHS for finally seeing the light!—
Carlo Versano,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Opening pages show Toews’ characteristic wit and guile squaring off against extraordinary pain.—
Literary Hub
July 1,
Literary Hub,
1 July 2025
-
His latest album, 12th of June, released in 2022 on Verve/Forecast, are personal and characterized by Lovett’s singular wit, proving that the lessons of his early Texas singer-songwriter days remain an influence on his songwriting.—
Glenn Peoples,
Billboard,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Modest stipends for service on regional boards recognize real time and effort spent advocating for funding and policies that benefit our city.—
Josh Levy,
Sun Sentinel,
12 July 2025
-
Once a niche subject rarely discussed outside of academic policy wonk circles, accreditation is an increasingly hot topic among conservatives.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Horse sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horse%20sense. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share