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 two person dream team beats the one person billion dollar company because the dream team is actually possible to run while staying sane. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026 There’s a strong sense that Feito’s novel got more mileage out of such questions as who is truly sane or insane and whether evil exists in all of us. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026 The family cycled through computer games, movies, books, toys, and a packable watercolor kit to stay sane. Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026 Olof is disturbingly sane, but there is not a sentimental bone in his body. Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
Adjective
  • One of the individuals was listed in temporary serious condition on Sunday, while the other was in stable condition.
    Nick Lentz, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • At a time when fossil fuel markets are driving price volatility and burdening families with higher utility bills, wind energy offers a stable, domestic source of power that is not subject to the unpredictable swings of gas prices.
    Julianna Larue, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • Now that the garden is complete aside from normal plant replacements, Sterman recognizes it as the expression of her own evolution and growth as a garden designer as well as changing views on waterwise gardening.
    Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2026
  • The West Coast is also bracing for rising temperatures, with highs climbing to 10 to 25 degrees above normal this weekend.
    Christine Rapp, NBC news, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Broken down into five lucid chapters, the letter argues against a robotic future, and for a socially just one.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
  • After the disturbing death of Reverend Bryce at the end of last week’s episode of Widow’s Bay, Tom, Wyck, and Patricia search his office for clues that might explain why this seemingly lucid man of the cloth suddenly hung himself.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • Individually, these decisions seem rational.
    Maria Colacurcio, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • Her rational brain doesn't stand a chance.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • That's so important, because this isn't about reasonable disputes on policy.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 June 2026
  • The most reasonable objection to this view is that resilience returns are too diffuse to underwrite, that avoided losses do not show up in a project’s revenue line the way tolls or tariffs do.
    Ravi S. Bhalla, Fortune, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Occupants get a balanced blend of touchscreen tech and analog functionality, along with a formidable degree of tactile style and ergonomic insight.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
  • While the majority of the options flow was in calls, instruments used to bet on a stock going up when they are bought, the flow became more balanced as the day went on.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • While Pochettino said the substitution was purely precautionary, American fans will likely remain uneasy until Pulisic is back on the field and fully healthy.
    Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
  • Four hours after a meal, a healthy stomach has cleared all but about 10% of its contents.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • These monsters—its antitheses—constitute that part of our nature that urges us to be sensible and strong, and that inclines us to see the life drive as trivial, weak, sentimental and immoral.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
  • Bold strategies like that don’t always work; the two-stop plan that most teams opted for was the safe, sensible option.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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