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 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 Propose a saner process with clear check‑in points that help everyone deliver quality without burnout. Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026 Now that he has been deemed sane by the jury, he will be sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
Adjective
  • These advanced technologies ensure the router maintains a high data throughput and more stable performance, even when in a congested network.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • An outcome would be more stable and adaptable behavior of the rover in granular environments.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • My vet rechecked it a week later, and her potassium is now normal, but her phosphorous is too high.
    Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • But at the State meet, officials alternated between sticking to the normal race schedule and running the 2 mile early in the meet and the mile later as had been the case in 1974 at the State meet in Bakersfield.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 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
  • For most of investing history, that discomfort was rational.
    Ethan Stone, USA Today, 29 May 2026
  • For all the prior cinematic depictions of storming bunkers and camaraderie under fire, Pressure offers us the quiet heroism of rational restraint in the figure of James Stagg, who weathered his inner storms and bore the courage to be disliked.
    Daniel Jonah Wolpert, NPR, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Those deductible expenses generally include reasonable costs of moving household goods and personal effects, plus travel and lodging for the move, but not meals.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
  • As New York looks forward, however, what are reasonable power expectations for Lindor, Bichette and Polanco, and for Marcus Semien, whose home run totals have dropped from 29 to 23 to 15 to a pace for 12 this year?
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • But while the budget is technically balanced, its foundation is precarious.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
  • Why Your Bones Change After 50 For most of your adult life, bone is in a state of constant, balanced turnover.
    Allison Palmer Updated June 3, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Yes, that extension will probably be worth anywhere from $15-17 million per season — a healthy bump from the $9-million cap hit Makar commanded in ’25-26.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • As a part of a broader effort to help curtail these ill effects, HHS has released a comprehensive advisory report on the harms of screen use and how parents can help promote healthy habits.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Their goal, according to Barbara Chan, an organizer behind the No on C campaign, was to first defeat Measure C before pursuing what the group believes would be a more financially sensible solution for the city.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
  • People see you as sensible and ready to assume the responsibilities of the position.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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