sense 1 of 2

1
as in feeling
an indefinite physical response to a stimulus a strange sense of discomfort brought on by the room's strong colors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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sense

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sense contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sense are common sense, judgment, and wisdom. While all these words mean "ability to reach intelligent conclusions," sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence.

a choice showing good sense

Where would common sense be a reasonable alternative to sense?

The words common sense and sense can be used in similar contexts, but common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

When would judgment be a good substitute for sense?

Although the words judgment and sense have much in common, judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

In what contexts can wisdom take the place of sense?

In some situations, the words wisdom and sense are roughly equivalent. However, wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average.

a leader of rare wisdom

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 sense
Noun
The inclusion of two elastic bands in this unit contributes to a snugger fit compared to the first wig, enhancing the overall sense of security. Noel Cymone Walker, StyleCaster, 2 May 2025 Jia’s sense of the ephemerality of the medium, and of the world that the medium reflects, has seldom been more stirringly profound. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 2 May 2025
Verb
But Franks senses a change from the Biden team, and for the better. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025 Structured approaches like systemic constellations help build our capacity to sense and respond to complexity, not just through logic, but through embodied awareness. Nancy Zamierowski, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sense
Noun
  • Sabrina Carpenter Joins Quinta Brunson to Sing About Being Short — Watch For her part, Serena seemed surprised by the news of Matt’s feelings for her, but not necessarily unhappy about it.
    Rebecca Luther, TVLine, 4 May 2025
  • Anyone who’s waited for hours on end at an airport or who has been stuck in a major traffic jam knows the helpless feeling.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Noun
  • For example, business writers, consider copywriter guru Herschell Gordon Lewis’s insight: Emotion outsells intellect.
    Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Sufi stories rely on metaphor, rhythm, repetition, and lyricism, to penetrate not just the cerebral intellect but the intellect of the heart.
    Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Known for his humility, gentle spirit, prudence, and warmth, Pope Leo XIV's leadership offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our educational mission.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
  • Exercising that prudence requires the consideration of several factors.
    Ellen P. Aprill, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This episode raises fundamental questions beyond Harvard concerning the Constitution and the meaning of education.
    Larry P. Arnn, National Review, 3 May 2025
  • Most of the major relationship milestones and potholes happen offscreen between the seasonal vacays, leaving us to find entertainment and meaning in the puny aftershocks.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • One virtue, reasoning, is for analyzing the information and drawing conclusions.
    Andrew Abela, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
  • Former federal prosecutors and Medicaid experts told the Herald/Times that the state’s reasoning that the $10 million wasn’t Medicaid money was flawed.
    Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • On the morning of April 14, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit San Diego County and was widely felt across Southern California and northern Mexico.
    Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 4 May 2025
  • South of the border: 'Too scary' U.S. industries are already feeling a cold wind from up north.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • And most key is that Abby is part of something much larger, which Ellie and Dina do not understand going into this at all.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • Vrabel, a former Patriot and head coach of the Tennessee Titans, understands that respect is essential to creating a culture of belonging.
    John Baldoni, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Hot off her debut acting role in The White Lotus and the release of her first solo album Alter Ego, K-pop sensation Lisa has joined forces with American pop culture juggernaut Maroon 5 for a new single.
    Chris Malone Méndez, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
  • Raphinha is a bit of a shoe-in, Yamal’s a sensation but Ousmane Dembele is on fire at Paris Saint-Germain.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sense. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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