sage 1 of 2

sage

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sage distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sage are judicious, prudent, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When can judicious be used instead of sage?

The words judicious and sage can be used in similar contexts, but judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

When would prudent be a good substitute for sage?

Although the words prudent and sage have much in common, prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

When could sane be used to replace sage?

The meanings of sane and sage largely overlap; however, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When is sapient a more appropriate choice than sage?

In some situations, the words sapient and sage are roughly equivalent. However, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When might sensible be a better fit than sage?

While in some cases nearly identical to sage, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

In what contexts can wise take the place of sage?

The synonyms wise and sage are sometimes interchangeable, but wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

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 sage
Noun
Salvia nemorosa Sun Exposure: Full sun Soil Type: Dry to medium, well-draining, average Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (5.5-6.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8 The erect flower spikes of meadow sage add dramatic texture and contrast to rose bushes. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2025 Snag it in the on-trend sage color, or choose between 18 other color options that will clinch your title of your flight’s most trendy passenger. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 31 Mar. 2025 Utopia Bedding 4-Piece Sheet Set Shoppers can choose from 28 colors, such as neutrals like white and brown, along with spring-ready hues like sage green and yellow, and sizes twin through California king. Toni Sutton, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Just outside the fence are a line of plants including maidenhair and pink muhly grasses, Texas sage and society garlic. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sage
Adjective
  • Guidance and tariffs Dover made a few wise adjustments to its full-year outlook.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Deferring college acceptance—postponing enrollment typically for one year—can be a thoughtful strategy when life circumstances, personal goals or practical considerations suggest that waiting might be the wiser path.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Møller had an initial career as a literary scholar, then spent many years as a politician, and is now back to writing.
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Wine scholars among us will recognize this as a mix of red and white grapes, with white allowed only in very small amounts.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Aston Villa accounting period covered 13 months, not one year. Source: Club financial statements All of which begs the question: are Levy and Spurs being excessively prudent?
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • As a result, many universities, including those in states with a 7% cap on prudent spending, will likely be able to increase their use of endowment funds to maintain their budgets at prior levels.
    Ellen P. Aprill, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sage. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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