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
  • Toe splay also contributes to horizontal stability, while the plantar fascia provides additional vertical support, helping the foot function as a more stable and effective lever.
    — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Regular baking, on the other hand, provides a gentler, more stable cooking environment without a fan circulating hot air.
    — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 13 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s no telling how long these discounts will last, so be sure to find the one that fits your cleaning needs before prices return to normal.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The latest Santa Ana wind event moving through Southern California will peak Saturday, but higher-than-normal temperatures and elevated fire risk will remain through next week.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Binoche plays Amanda with a surfeit of tenderness for her mother, who goes from being lucid to infantile without warning.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • This lucid translation makes no apologies for preserving Homer’s (to us) nonidiomatic constructions.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Carlisle is entitled to make fun of her colleagues for overestimating the power of rational argument and for preferring false simplicity to complicated truth.
    — Kieran Setiya, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The calm, rational response to the Dallas Cowboys’ latest embarrassing performance is to burn it down.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • International financial institutions must be able to deliver financing quickly, at scale, and at reasonable cost, so that no developing country is forced to choose between servicing its debt and investing in its people.
    — Pedro Sánchez, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2026
  • There are people who want a complication but want it at a reasonable price.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 13 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
  • The Saints offense is seemingly only getting healthier and now with three legitimate receivers and their running back on the cusp of a return, Shough could be primed for a nice Week 10 and a big second half.
    — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Follow a meal plan combining Mediterranean and DASH diet principles rich in leafy greens, berries and healthy fats.
    — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • She became nationally recognized as an advocate for safer schools and more sensible gun laws.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026
  • But for a work truck, an outdoor rig, or a family hauler that sees real weather, the Weatherbeater is the sensible buy.
    — Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 10 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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