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 No sane fantasy manager will sit any of these running backs, and these grades are not suggesting that course of action. — Kc Joyner, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Can any sane person bank on all six surviving a 17-game slate unscathed? — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for sane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
Adjective
  • In a unanimous vote, the 44 senators present voted to remove Peña for misconduct in office, bringing a dramatic end to one of South America's most stable presidencies.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • This bike would make a lot more sense if my feet were solid and stable underneath me.
    — Kevin Fanady, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • It's shot up from less than $97 at the start of the month on uncertainty about when the war with Iran will allow the global energy industry to return to normal.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Menopause is the normal part of a woman’s aging process that marks the end of her reproductive years.
    — Lyndon Haviland, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • This lucid translation makes no apologies for preserving Homer’s (to us) nonidiomatic constructions.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Perfectly lucid, aware of the smell of Simple Green overtaken by perfumes, the talcum stink of baby powder.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Kim will face his last days when a large enough body of North Korean elites conclude that remaining loyal is no longer their safest and most rational choice.
    — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Predicting the costs How cities full of rational, educated, financially prudent people get sucked in, how we’re persuaded to put aside concerns about being stuck with a massive bill and just surrender to the spectacle.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • March 21 – April 19 Someone else’s disappointment could make a reasonable decision feel surprisingly difficult.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Aries March 21 – April 19 Someone else’s disappointment could make a reasonable decision feel surprisingly difficult.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • While spaghetti squash may elicit a lower blood sugar response than acorn squash, both can fit into a balanced lifestyle that supports blood sugar levels.
    — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The administration made the fiscally responsible decision to incorporate these proceeds into its supplemental pension payment as part of a balanced budget that also maintains funding for critical services and neighborhood investments.
    — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Her wish list included healthy trees, an extra bedroom for visitors and a house that was either newly built or recently renovated.
    — Heather Senison, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Vaccination is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and certain complications in older adults with healthy immune systems.
    — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The exhibit will include over 200 pieces that play with the sensible, mundane, and high fashion.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The sensible comment might suggest Honeycutt doesn’t care which party or politician follows through with MAHA’s goals, just as long as they’re achieved.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 5 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!