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 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 One part sends me to therapy, the other keeps me sane [laughs]. — Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
Adjective
  • The Nebraska researchers also found that hafnia becomes more stable as its thickness decreases.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The parties see upside in a merger, according to the report, because both companies’ shares have been undervalued and People’s stable of lifestyle magazines like Food & Wine could complement the hospitality offerings of MGM.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Difficult or disruptive events can create opportunities to enact changes or policies that would be hard to implement during normal times.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • According to the investigation, the shooting began as a road-rage dispute between the garbage truck driver, who was performing his normal route, and occupants of a white box truck that was blocking the roadway, the release stated.
    — Keily Alfonzo, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • These 16 slaps are lucid and adventurous, featuring random Jay Electronica warblings, DJ Quik rhythms, and a couple of surprisingly appropriate Westside Gunn vignettes.
    — Will Dukes, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Founded by two British academics almost two decades ago, Effective Altruism is a philosophical movement whose core idea is that people should try to use rational processes to do the most good for the most people in the world.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
  • This is not to impugn the nobility of counting, of the close and careful observation of nature, of the rational, ordered efforts to understand it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • No reasonable person looking at her case would have called her a threat to anyone.
    — Don Bacon, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Defense lawyer Dameka Davis told the jury prosecutors failed at the first task of a murder trial — to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim was dead.
    — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • They must be addressed in a hardheaded and balanced way, not as Mayor Johnson insists by simply hiking taxes on businesses and the wealthy.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The sandwich is perfectly balanced with the soft fresh bread, smoky turkey with the ranch and avocado providing a creaminess without making the sandwich heavy.
    — Justin Brown, AJC.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Arugula is rich in calcium, magnesium and vitamin K for bone health, along with fiber and plant compounds tied to cancer prevention and a healthier gut microbiome.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026
  • As with many cancers, however, research suggests that maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help lower the risk.
    — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Whatever a company decides today may not remain sensible six months from now.
    — Vinit Sahni, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Oakley has directed a new interpretation of the book, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones as the sensible Elinor Dashwood and Esmé Creed-Miles as her more emotive sister, Marianne.
    — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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