sense 1 of 2

noun

ˈsen(t)s How to pronounce sense (audio)
Definition of sensenext
1
as in feeling
an indefinite physical response to a stimulus a strange sense of discomfort brought on by the room's strong colors

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2
as in intellect
the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems although he has little formal education, he is a man of considerable practical sense

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters you have the sense to handle anything that comes up

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4
as in meaning
the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action got the general sense of the poem

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5
as in reasoning
the thought processes that have been established as leading to valid solutions to problems your argument simply shows no sense

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sense

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to feel
to have a vague awareness of the deer seemed to sense danger

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2
as in to understand
to have a clear idea of I did not sense the full meaning of his cryptic warning until much later

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
With an evident sense of shame, Sheen recalls cutting a deal with the feds for immunity, and spilling the details to law enforcement with Fleiss and her lawyers in the room. —Oren Peleg, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025 The models still don’t have an inherent understanding of the difference between truth and fiction, no sense of which sources are more trustworthy than others, and no grounding of its knowledge in real world experience. —Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
However, when Jess senses something sinister and then mysteriously disappears, Frida must uncover the truth before meeting the same fate. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025 Records confirm what runners, bar and restaurant owners and just about anybody who spends time outside in South Florida can sense. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sense
  1. feeling
  2. intellect
  3. prudence
  4. meaning
  5. reasoning
  6. feel
  7. understand
  8. sensation
Noun
  • While Schneider was expressing his feelings about the unknown state of Judge’s normally rocket arm, the Yankees seemed weary about answering these kind of inquiries.
    — Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Fortunately, there is one way to get that tropical feeling without ever stepping on a plane.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of feeling
Noun
  • Michèle comes across as a singular and powerful personality, with something of Akerman’s own trenchant intellect, assertive candor, and vulnerable self-revelation.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025
  • With his new book, Pan, Clune has turned his cockeyed sensibility and coruscating intellect to fiction.
    — Scott Stossel, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of intellect
Noun
  • But those with long memories are tempering enthusiasm with prudence, remembering how the dot-com bubble led to unsustainable valuations and a painful crash.
    — Tiz Gambacorta, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • This was a chance for Biden to take the high road, to toe the fiscal line and display financial prudence.
    — Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
Definition of prudence
Noun
  • Actively choose intentionality and meaning.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • At a time when loneliness and isolation are rising around the world, families—though never perfect—remain one of life’s strongest sources of stability and meaning.
    — Russell M. Nelson, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • Regardless of the reasoning, there’s just something positive about the success of arguably the franchise’s three most important people.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • And while Wings went through a succession of different lineups over the years, the reasoning for members leaving is touched upon but only somewhat satisfactorily.
    — Caleb Hammond, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
Definition of reasoning
Verb
  • Miami’s play was so decisively putrid that the 33-8 loss to the Colts seemed almost a blessing because the game felt so much more lopsided than that.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The trendy animal print pattern combined with the crisscross buckle design offers a sophisticated, retro feel that’ll perk up any classic pair of jeans.
    — Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of feel
Verb
  • These measurements are fundamental to understanding how greenhouse gas emissions relate to rising temperatures, simultaneously contributing to scientific research and informing policymakers of compliance with environmental regulations.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2025
  • If the marathons of New York and London showcase splendour and establishment and magnificence and size and place, then the Great North Run offers something else; to complete it, to witness it, is to understand its pull.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Definition of understand
Noun
  • The lifelong cinephile enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with Hollywood, becoming a global sensation practically overnight with 1980’s American Gigolo, in which a shirtless Richard Gere rifles through a beguiling array of Armani suits.
    — Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Made of Tencel Lyocell fibers, this blanket leaves a pretty immediate cooling sensation.
    — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025
Definition of sensation

Phrases Containing sense

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sensations
sense
sensed
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Cite this Entry

“Sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sense. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sense

Nglish: Translation of sense for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sense

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