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 Dolly once said a return to roots kept her sane, and appreciation for music that felt like her bloodstream moved her deeply. — Martha Ackmann, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026 Jurors next weigh whether Salazar was legally sane at the time of the shooting, a decision that will send him either to state prison or a psychiatric hospital. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 This Mind, God, is utterly sane, calm, the Love and light of the universe, the only power. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026 What person in their sane mind that’s not a Russian asset would do that? — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
Adjective
  • Compact optical clocks could eventually contribute to such systems by providing stable timing references onboard vehicles, reducing dependence on external signals.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Under some circumstances, however, solutions exist that allow for a stable system even if two such planets interact.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The prototype was tested on one construction worker during normal activities, including movement, breaks, drinking water and eating.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In a normal year, most MLB teams would already be looking toward next year at this point in the season, as only a few teams remain alive.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Perfectly lucid, aware of the smell of Simple Green overtaken by perfumes, the talcum stink of baby powder.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But his memory, of a long career as a reporter around the globe, with turns as an essayist, a historian, a novelist, and a political activist, remains almost eerily lucid.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Sometimes our rational understanding of life and death bumps into a seemingly impossible presence.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Americans cast English severity as evidence of an old, corrupt political order and imagined their own laws as rational, proportionate and suited to free citizens.
    — Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • For properties other than single-family homes and duplexes, the statute addresses reasonable provisions for clean and safe common areas along with services such as garbage removal and extermination of certain pests.
    — Emma Clapp, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
  • These are reasonable explanations for a temporary change, Desai says.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Deafheaven have long balanced playful disdain for black metal purism with a deeper understanding of the genre than either critics or acolytes of 2013’s Sunbather gave them credit for.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The Row’s perfectly balanced, Midas-touch accessories, to serve you a lifetime and beyond.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The pope isn’t known to be a smoker and has made efforts to have a healthy lifestyle, but there is a history of cancer in his immediate family.
    — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Because your husband should totally be your mentor, that’s a very healthy power dynamic!
    — Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Pope Leo’s approach to his health has been steady, sensible and balanced.
    — Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Gboard くるくるバージョン The mechanics are every bit as sensible as the premise.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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