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 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 About 38,000 of these were coupes, which is the best choice for any sane person, and for whom a base-model Carrera 2 should do nicely. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
Adjective
  • Reed was hospitalized in serious but stable condition on Sunday afternoon.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Medics took the unconscous survivor, identified by a co-worker as Garo Alexanian, to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens in stable condition.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • To achieve the look, start by painting normal hearts.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026
  • This winter began unusually warm in Austin, but over the past week, Mother Nature has reminded us of her power, and how arctic cold fronts are normal for this time of year in the Lone Star State.
    Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Perhaps not lucid dreams, but elucidating ones.
    Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Is this lucid state only temporary based on the recent anti-psychotic meds he was given by Kelson?
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Anyone who has made an impulsive decision in a moment of intense emotion knows that feelings shape our choices just as much as rational thought.
    Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • There was no rational administration.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Columbia Heights was as prepared for an immigration crackdown as could be reasonably expected of any community or school system—but there has been nothing reasonable about the ICE terror campaign.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Finding that type of player, for a reasonable price, is the difficult part.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Pork and shrimp shumai were similarly petite and balanced in textures.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Slathering peanut butter on a rice cake creates a more balanced snack, offering protein and fat (in addition to the rice cake's carbs).
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • How to make even healthy eating affordable One way to make more expensive items like meat and seafood more affordable is to buy them in bulk.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
  • However, researchers noted that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is used today as a treatment to restore gut flora in the colon, representing a modern application for healthy feces.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Forest did some sensible business.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Contemporary Germany provides positive, sensible leadership for Europe and beyond.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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