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
  • Real estate can provide stable income or appreciation through active value creation, while technology investments offer exposure to emerging businesses and new models of growth.
    — Connie Etemadi, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Neuralink says the approach can make those signals more stable and useful for controlling computers.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The chips are power-hungry (a ChatGPT AI query consumes about ten times as much energy as a normal Google search) and also generate a lot of heat, which requires cooling systems.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 27 Sep. 2026
  • On the heels of a normal-sounding nominee for surgeon general comes another normal-sounding nominee for the FDA.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 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
  • Humans, in contrast, have souls that are additionally capable of rational thought.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Investing more heavily in technology, shifting resources to a newer product line or exiting an activity with poor long-term economics are rational decisions.
    — Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Our responsibility is to provide accurate medical information, compassionate counseling and the full range of medically reasonable options so patients can make informed decisions consistent with their values.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • North Carolina has embraced pro-economic growth policies, like lower taxes and reasonable regulations.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Cue the white laced frocks that balanced minimalist shape and sensuality and that could come in handy not only for summer occasions but as a bridal option, too.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The balanced solvent treatment reshapes and flattens the top layer, while the chloride addition forces the bromide and iodide components to crystallize at the same time.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • New wave of proteinmaxxing Higher protein portions are becoming the new normal as Americans search for healthier lifestyles amidst the affordability and food safety crisis.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The food is healthy, fresh, and inventive enough to persuade you to dine in for at least a couple of nights, in spite of Ubud’s strong and growing food scene.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Put your resources toward what feels meaningful, not merely sensible.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Sun is worth being sensible about, since sun exposure over time can add dark spots and contribute to visual signs of aging.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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