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
To draw their conclusions, the authors used pollen-removal experiments in Spring 2021 to understand the amount of pollen extracted by honeybees from three common native plants: black sage, white sage and distant phacelia, or scorpion weed. Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 7 July 2025 But the over-40 set will feel just as confident wearing it, thanks to its well-balanced blend of tarragon, sage, citrus, and cedar. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 3 July 2025 Navy blue and sage green have become go-to choices but are losing their charm; opt for moody hues like muddy green, rust, or confident forest green instead. Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 5 July 2025 Plants like trumpet honeysuckle, bee balm and hummingbird sage provide much more nectar than hybrids and exotics. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sage
Adjective
  • The wise stargazer brings warm clothes, bug spray and snacks — and takes breaks from staring at the sky every 30 minutes or so.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • For investors, is the resolve to assume tariff threats are bluffs and the impact easily handled a wise stance based on lessons learned in the April overshoot sell-off?
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • In addition to being a Sachs scholar, she was named a Gates Scholarship winner — a prestigious award from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 12 July 2025
  • Robert Osborn, an early thinker on lawn tennis, was also a religious scholar.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Compliance Simplified One can interpret the intention behind ASC 820 as aiding prudent investment decision making by increasing consistency, transparency and comparability in financial reporting.
    Tomas Milar, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • In accordance with the new laws that went into effect on July 1, condominium association directors are now able to use their best efforts with community reserve funds to make prudent investment decisions.
    L. Chere Trigg, Miami Herald, 17 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sage. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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