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
-
He’s now deemed heroic in adhering to the Seven Virtues -- faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.—
Brian T. Allen,
National Review,
24 Apr. 2025
-
There is a fine line between prudence and penny-pinching.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The wisdom distilled in those lines, Brook personally handed over to a younger generation.—
Ron Grossman,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2025
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However, an additional layer of wisdom has significantly enriched my perspective: Stoicism.—
Davide Sartini,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
All the Gemstones’ senses of grandeur are stunning and don’t quite match up to what’s happening.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
4 May 2025
-
Traveling the world to exotic destinations can be filled with excitement along with a sense of wonder and discovery.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Noun
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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
Noun
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With sharp wit, bold music, and intimate character portrayals, the show breaks stereotypes and offers a rare, multifaceted depiction of Muslim women unlike most representations in Western media.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
1 May 2025
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As Mortensen talked, her children cut in, sharing stories about their mother’s influence and wit.—
Carolyn Komatsoulis,
Idaho Statesman,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
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At the Great Place to Work For All Summit, a leadership event in Las Vegas, CEO Anthony Capuano recalled the debate over whether Marriott should make changes to its DEI policies.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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One day later, the NCAA revised its gender eligibility policy to restrict participation in the women's category to only biological females.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Horse sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horse%20sense. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
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