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 would throw money out the window carelessly. Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025 No sane sailing event would choose to hold a competition on the waters of Upper New York Bay, although Formula One probably shouldn’t stage a grand prix on the narrow streets of Monaco, either. Andrew Rice, New York Times, 7 June 2025 As Scott stumbles through a chaotic weekend, Neil proves a ride-or-die friend who may be the only sane voice in the madness of wedding season. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 30 May 2025 Nalgenes are lighter than stainless steel and, frankly, the only sane option for hiking. Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
Adjective
  • In 1978 Lukas dissolved his quarter-horse stable and immersed himself in thoroughbred racing at Santa Anita.
    Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • Medics took the two men to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Brooklyn Methodist in stable condition.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • This means that some particles will decay in the normal world while their counterparts in the mirror would not.
    Zack Savitsky, Wired News, 22 June 2025
  • While the district has enough supply on hand for the nearly 200,000 students who attend district schools, many of those computers are out of warranty and past their normal lifespan, the district’s technology chief told the South Florida Sun Sentinel in an interview last month.
    Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • But the idea of an algorithm, which is as prone to generate nonsense as anything lucid, representing a deceased person’s thoughts or behaviors seems terrifying.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 June 2025
  • These treatments can help people maintain their independence longer and make the most of their lucid years.
    Jim Taylor, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • President Donald Trump’s court challenge failed during his first term because his administration did not provide the U.S. Supreme Court with a rational government basis for terminating the program.
    Darren Soto, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2025
  • Confined to her bed, Isla is given to violent fits and delusional behavior, slipping in and out of rational consciousness.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Conrad is a 6-3 defenseman who can skate and has shown reasonable offense in the Q.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Recent verdicts have far exceeded historical benchmarks, and without reasonable limits, runaway jury awards threaten the city’s ability to fund essential services.
    Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • On the other hand, a balanced executive could bring their vision to reality using emotional intelligence and a team-centric approach.
    Shawn Cole, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Managing your weight with lupus means working with your healthcare team, possibly adjusting medications, eating a balanced diet, and finding ways to move your body.
    Stella Bard, Health, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Many everyday foods in Japan are super healthy, and the cuisine is based on natural, nutritious ingredients.
    Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 26 June 2025
  • Primarily, passenger revenue grew a healthy 5.4% to £2.16 billion, as travel demand remained robust and was able to meet the higher capacity introduced.
    John Choong, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • For Brembo, this is much more than product placement and it’s integrated in a way that’s organically sensible.
    Kristin Shaw, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • If traditional sandwiches were greasy and chaotic, the province of children and cartoon slobs, wraps were tidy and sensible, the province of working women with slim hips and pin-straight hair.
    Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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