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 Why, some wonder, would a perfectly sane psychotherapist be so intrigued by the Kardashian family? Literary Hub, 1 May 2026 There’s also an unknown independent candidate and, thankfully, one serious former legislator who in a sane political world would make it to Sacramento in a cakewalk. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026 These are the words of sane people. Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026 One of the few sane adults left in his administration must have reminded him that antagonizing Catholics is a terrible political move. Gustavo Arellano, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
Adjective
  • Composers from more stable lands nursed their own fears.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • One victim suffered critical injuries but was in stable condition, while three others sustained non-life-threatening wounds.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • That means less cement per meter—on this bridge roughly 40% less concrete—while still reaching normal strength.
    Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
  • One patient retained normal core disgust reactivity but could no longer recognize disgust in others’ faces; another with anterior insula damage showed dysregulation in both producing and experiencing disgust.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • After being deported from Sweden and moving to Bangkok in 2015, Drain Gang’s Thaiboy Digital has leaned harder into the cult rap crew’s love for rave electronics than any other member, chasing highs in lucid dreams to compensate for sporadic meetups with the boys.
    Nathan Evans, Pitchfork, 12 May 2026
  • According to O’Leary, airports have effectively delegated to airlines the consequences of early morning happy hour—namely, rowdy passengers boarding flights while less than lucid.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • On the surface, this looks rational.
    Illia Smoliienko, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • In the face of what all agree is a housing crisis, Onni’s residential plan will have to wait at least a decade for a more rational City Council.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • In a debate for the Democratic nomination for the Senate in Iowa this month, one of the moderators, Erin Murphy, asked the candidates, Josh Turek and Zach Wahls, both state legislators, a reasonable, if downbeat, question.
    Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • The tuition payments may be a gift presented without strings, but there are still plenty of reasonable expectations that come with a college education.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • Whereas previous Panzers balanced mobility, armor, and firepower, the Tiger I was designed with invulnerability in mind.
    Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 20 May 2026
  • Beyond phenomenal acceleration—acceleration no one dreamed possible 15 years ago—GT 63 should deliver balanced performance.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • These investments strengthen families, improve long-term well-being, and help create healthier, more resilient communities for generations to come.
    Maria Bledsoe, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026
  • Other than the hamstring of OG Anunoby, the Knicks are healthy.
    Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • The most sensible near-term opportunities are therefore not necessarily giant greenfield projects.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
  • This sounds like Secretary Mullin has been reevaluating what his predecessor had gone into to more of a stable, sensible approach.
    Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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