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 person thinks this Cleveland offense is a quick-fix situation, which makes the job at least somewhat of a tough sell. Zac Jackson, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026 After a full season, this is the gear that kept me sane, fit, and planted. Benjamin Tepler, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026 And at the time, Lawrence emphasized that her friends kept her sane. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026 Exploring Mars is at least a saner proposition than living there permanently. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
Adjective
  • Rotating forward shifts body weight ahead of the center of support, making balance control more demanding and landings less stable.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Their journey from a fractious dynamic and rocky road to fraternal camaraderie was rooted in the fact that Shawn grew up in poverty, facing constant adversity, while Jack grew up in a stable household without wants.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In Italy and Switzerland, the avalanche death tolls are also much higher than normal.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
  • On the one hand, far more blooms than normal graced the desert all winter long.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Heldman and Nicholson’s lucid, intelligent script thus assigns characters very different, more nuanced motivations from those we are used to in iterations of this story.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Neuroscientist Karen Konkoly is a lucid dreamer.
    Carolyn Y. Johnson, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Unlike the city of Poway, which favors hitching posts over parking meters, San Diego has elected to ignore all rational analyses of parking fee options, in favor of looking at parking as a cash cow.
    Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
  • In 2026, China’s luxury sector is more selective, rational, and emotionally discerning than ever.
    Yiling Pan, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The prosecution detailed nine separate errors made by Plamberger during the climb—from failing to bring bivy gear to failing to abide by a reasonable turnaround time—which collectively suggest a charge of gross negligence.
    Owen Clarke, Outside, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Counties with moratoriums Counties use moratoriums to buy time to write new zoning and regulation for wind and solar farms, sometimes to craft reasonable laws and sometimes to craft bans.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Kate Schneider’s hat trick with two goals led a well-balanced effort as Walpole used to down Ursuline 8-4.
    Kristina Banahan, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Very balanced male-female, lots of casual viewers.
    Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • If a healthy player sits, the millionaires are fine and the fans get screwed.
    Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
  • The playroom, a lively communal hub called The Hangout, is a dream come true, stocked with both ice-cream treats and healthy snacks (because balance), while practical touches like a dedicated laundry room show that the hotel really gets what families need when traveling.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • However, the high price point is less sensible.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Saka was substituted at half-time — a sensible move given the tie was won and Arsenal have two Premier League games next week, including a north London derby away against Tottenham.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

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