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 The second phase of trial will determine whether Dominguez was sane when the acts occurred. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 5 May 2025 Neither the sane or insane would ever guarantee an entire Jets season could pass without any controversy, especially with Woody Johnson still around. Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025 So the way to stay sane is having fun and this is a kid’s game. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025 To anyone sane who respects basic American norms and traditions, these firms are doing their job — and the abuse of executive power to treat them roughly as one might a terrorist organization is to cast the rule of law into a dung heap. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
Adjective
  • Now, investors looking for stable returns may want to consider diversified investment alternatives such as the Trefis High Quality portfolio, which has showcased impressive performance, yielding over 91% returns since its inception.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • This release is aimed at fixing some problems that cropped up in an earlier Gemini Pro update, and the word is, this version will become a stable release that comes to the Gemini app for everyone to use.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • At the World Championships, Metcalfe saw a competitor achieve a 100kg deadlift and decided to push herself beyond her normal limits.
    Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • In normal circumstances, the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act barring U.S. soldiers from acting like law enforcement in the U.S. But the Insurrection Act, first enacted in 1792, allows the president to deploy the military inside the U.S. to help civilian law enforcement with law enforcement duties.
    Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • His answer was lucid as a fog bank and inspiring as a stalk of celery.
    Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 21 May 2025
  • Electrophysiological correlates of lucid dreaming: sensor and source level signatures Taylor & Francis.
    Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This may be a financially rational move, but also a negative signal to shareholders looking for leverage.
    Alexander S. Blume, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • But the over-the-top operation in South Park generated a nationwide debate, not all of it rational, and a unified response of condemnation from San Diego Democratic leaders, including four members of the local congressional delegation.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • LPs expect distributions within a reasonable timeframe.
    Ilona Limonta-Volkova, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Florida's attorney general can collect civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs, while minors can also pursue up to $10,000 in damages.
    Chloe Albanesius, PC Magazine, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Want a balanced complexion that’s all glow and none of the grease?
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 13 June 2025
  • That’s balanced against the potential to help society in fields like medicine, and boost productivity across many industries.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Emergency aid for families caught in conflict zones Parents caught in crises struggle to meet their children's needs and to provide them with a safe and healthy childhood, despite the circumstances.
    Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Alzheimer's patient embarks on cross-country walk to showcase healthy aging Thirteen years after her Alzheimer's diagnosis, Judy Benjamin, 80, has just embarked on a 3,000-mile journey across the country.
    Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • That never was a sensible move for fiscal and other reasons.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 3 June 2025
  • If only Larry Hogan had been prescient enough to choose a successor who would have continued his sensible moderate policies under eight more years of Republican rule.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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