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 Any sane French analysis of this exit must recognise the second team in the arena, who delivered one of the all-time great collective World Cup performances. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 15 July 2026 Once a verdict is delivered in the case before Yolo Superior Court Judge Samuel McAdam, the trial shifts to a second phase to determine whether Dominguez was sane at the time of the crimes. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026 The fireworks sold by them are safe, sane and given a green light by the state fire marshal. Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 29 June 2026 The only sane way to form an opinion about a studio show is to land somewhere between being OK with it and a state of wholesale indifference. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
Adjective
  • Irish boxer Lee Reeves is in a critical but stable condition in hospital after his defeat via knockout in Dublin on Saturday, a Queensberry Promotions spokesperson has confirmed.
    Chris McKenna, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The woman was transported to the hospital and remains in stable condition.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This figure has already exceeded the European Commission's estimate for annual wildfire losses across the entire European Union in a normal year.
    , CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Since military prototypes often undergo multiple design revisions, such modifications are considered a normal part of the aircraft development process.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Zuckerman said Monday’s cross-examination helped the defense by supplying testimony that Clancy could appear lucid at some moments while experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms at others.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The South London rapper-producer’s first album for Surf Gang is lucid, soulful, and expertly curated.
    Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • If writing a 10-page proposal yields $30,000 in capital faster than closing 50 cold calls, a rational business owner will devote their afternoons to proposal writing.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • So much for the rational part of an exasperating season that marked the first time since 2014 that the Chiefs failed to make the playoffs.
    Vahe Gregorian July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • The example demonstrates how an owner might maintain an attractive base rate while making a reasonable margin through relevant extras.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The three-prospect package going to the Tigers seems like a reasonable price for two months of a pitcher who underwent surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow in May.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The message — intended for medical regulators and licensed clinicians alike — was designed to be lofty and overarching, but balanced and practical.
    Humayun Chaudhry, STAT, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This was the most balanced month of restaurant openings and closings so far this year, with at least 15 new restaurants and 14 closures.
    Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Doctors say Braswell and Toberman share a trait common among older adults who remain healthy and independent well into their later years.
    Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • This flavorful mix of fruit bits makes a refreshing snack or a healthy treat for lunch boxes.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Most sensible observers will recognise that his level of influence sits somewhere in the middle.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • By Season 6, however, Schroeder had evolved into the most sensible person on the Bravo hit, and her love affair with Beau Clark won over the audience’s hearts.
    Marlow Stern, Variety, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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