Definition of sanenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sane distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sane are judicious, prudent, sage, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When might judicious be a better fit than sane?

In some situations, the words judicious and sane are roughly equivalent. However, judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

When is prudent a more appropriate choice than sane?

While the synonyms prudent and sane are close in meaning, prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

In what contexts can sage take the place of sane?

While in some cases nearly identical to sane, sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When is it sensible to use sapient instead of sane?

Although the words sapient and sane have much in common, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When could sensible be used to replace sane?

The meanings of sensible and sane largely overlap; however, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

Where would wise be a reasonable alternative to sane?

The synonyms wise and sane 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 sane The goal, however, shouldn’t be to compete with clubs but to offer a saner alternative. Editorial, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026 And finally, Kelly (Vaughan Murrae), the baby Lois was pregnant with in the series finale, is a thoughtful teenager, trying to keep sane in their chaotic household. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026 Muniz is back as the titular Malcolm, the only sane voice in a particularly wacky family led by Kaczmarek (Lois) and Cranston (Hal). Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026 In a sane world, this would be a no-brainer for all political parties. Alisa Kaplan, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
Adjective
  • The survivor is in stable condition.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • He was placed on detox monitoring, which was later discontinued after his condition appeared stable.
    Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Sneaky Jon Cooper The Bolts showed their normal forward lines in pregame warmups, but then had other ideas once the puck dropped Friday night.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • All need normal care to become established, are freeze resistant and make durable plants for the landscape.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Crabapple is an artist and author known for lucid leftie takes, and her book takes on the thorny history of a vibrant intellectual tradition.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Its elegant, rounded boxes for column and row numbers and lucid formula-building bar are wonders to behold.
    Edward Mendelson, PC Magazine, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Knowledge is not understood as the product of an objective and rational analysis of reality, but as the result of an intersubjective negotiation process.
    Florian Wintterlin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
  • No rational argument could convince them otherwise.
    Nataliya Gumenyuk, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With a reasonable chance that both sides win all their remaining games, the size of each victory matters.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Although executors may be paid reasonable compensation—often up to 5% of the estate’s value—you aren’t required to accept the role.
    Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His presence allows the Magic to be more balanced, more versatile and, crucially, more equipped to deal with a player like Cunningham.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
  • So the Justice Department is saying that that's the more balanced approach that the EPA takes, and that's the approach that should prevail.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Collins, Higgins and a healthy Tank Dell could be a lot of fun together.
    Sam Warren, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Planting a tree is an investment in a future with more beauty and shade, less air pollution and flooding, and many other good things that a healthy canopy of trees brings to us and our communities.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Some of it is the sensible human desire to spend retirement somewhere a snow shovel is not considered essential equipment.
    Larry Clifton, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
  • These were sensible design choices for that era.
    Bob Diamond, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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