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
Transfer to a bowl; repeat with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons oil, sage, and gnocchi. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025 Further in, the living room is decked out with Douglas Fir flooring, sage green walls, and a wood-burning fireplace. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2025 The Rock channels his old trash-talking persona and adds some sage wisdom for a couple of British youngsters (Florence Pugh and Jack Lowden) wanting advice on how to break into the wrestling business. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025 The set ensures everything matches, and comes in colors such as gray, sage green or black. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sage
Adjective
  • Kizzi’s fate, drama-wise, is not in butting heads with people in her team, but in boatmance.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Also, color-wise, this phone doesn’t give you many possibilities.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Most legal scholars interpret this to mean that the President’s duty is to spend the money Congress appropriates, and that the President does not have the power to withhold funds.
    Andy Kroll, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Harvard’s Erica Chenoweth, director of the Non-Violent Action Lab and one of the world’s leading scholars of protest movements, has shown that peaceful resistance is twice as likely to succeed as violent resistance.
    Nancy Gibbs, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That said, Gordon believes the sale announced by Tucker, who was promoted from Jack in the Box chief financial officer to CEO on March 31, is a prudent one.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • During my previous time on the board, my fellow members and I practiced prudent fiscal management that consistently extended the life of levies far beyond their original three-year term, some lasting as long as nine years.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sage. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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