Synonyms of sage

sage 1 of 2

adjective

as in wise

having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge

a sage suggestion that anyone should think long and hard before deciding to marry

Synonyms & Similar Words

• wise
• prudent
• insightful
• sagacious
• perceptive
• experienced
• brilliant
• discerning
• scholarly
• intelligent
• clever
• thoughtful
• sapient
• keen
• smart
• acute
• knowledgeable
• penetrating
• quick
• literate
• bright
• reflective
• learned
• perspicacious
• cerebral
• erudite
• sharp
• percipient
• astute
• discriminative
• discriminating
• nimble
• contemplative
• shrewd
• brainy
• quick-witted
• piercing
• clearheaded

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unwise
• dense
• foolish
• dull
• obtuse
• dumb
• stupid
• purblind
• simple
• imbecile
• unperceptive
• silly
• slow
• thoughtless
• idiotic
• unintelligent
• witless
• moronic
• feebleminded
• brainless
• woodenheaded
• knuckleheaded
• undiscriminating
• slow-witted

sage

2 of 2

noun

ˈsāj 

as in scholar

a person of deep wisdom or learning

the young prince made a pilgrimage to the sage, hoping to learn the meaning of life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scholar
• teacher
• savant
• pundit
• wizard
• seer
• wise man
• guru
• polymath
• rabbi
• mentor
• master
• yogi
• intellect
• thinker
• intellectual
• Renaissance man
• mahatma
• brain
• swami
• whiz
• highbrow
• genius
• pandit
• polyhistor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• idiot
• turkey
• donkey
• fool
• know-nothing
• stock
• ignoramus
• moron
• imbecile
• dunce
• dolt
• blockhead
• pinhead
• simpleton
• jackass
• dope
• ninny
• goon
• dummy
• nincompoop
• numskull
• dodo
• nitwit
• fathead
• dumbbell
• half-wit

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

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

Recent Examples of sage

Noun

Yeo suggests pairing this sage green with creamy off-whites and brushed brass accents for a space that exudes warmth, or layering it with white marble countertops or flooring for striking contrast that adds a touch of luxury. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026

Great Value Chicken Broth Great Value Chicken Broth has a lot of aromatic flavors, like celery, carrots, and sage. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026

Place the squash rings in a large bowl, then add the olive oil, maple syrup, sage, and salt and pepper to taste and toss until evenly coated. —Karla Walsh, CNN Money, 8 Mar. 2026

This neutral sage green is super gorgeous and glossy, but there's a full rainbow of mosses and olives to explore. —Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 7 Mar. 2026