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

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
In a 2025 study of older parents, being cut off from an adult child was associated with poorer well-being and a reduced sense of purpose, as well as greater depressive symptoms. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 For people who have experienced discrimination or barriers within traditional medical institutions, avoiding a clinic may offer greater privacy, autonomy, or a sense of safety. Jennifer Karlin, STAT, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
Rose, the daughter of the estate’s wealthy new owner, can sense the ghost, too. Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026 The nozzle is designed with a small sensing hole near its tip that helps detect when gasoline reaches the appropriate level in your vehicle’s filler neck. Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sense
Noun
  • The sluggish job market has shut out new entrants and left people like Ruiz feeling stuck.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Jackson's disappointment with the logger blockade and other labor demonstrations in the late 1990s further cemented his feeling that something had to change.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Our embodied experience often notices shifts before our intellect explains them.
    Angela Cusack, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • According to Herrera, her fascination stemmed from Trotsky’s revolutionary stature, intellect, and commanding presence.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 July 2026
Noun
  • In those conditions, United’s prudence makes financial sense.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The five points of the star represent the characteristics of a good citizen, which are fortitude, loyalty, righteousness, prudence, and broadmindedness.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • And as if there were any doubt about the meaning of the play and the foul, Cunningham cleared it up afterward.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • That description relies on a narrow meaning of identity, however.
    Nicole M. Bennett, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This emergent behavior by agents single-mindedly focused on accomplishing their goals combined with powerful reasoning models is cause for even greater concern than previously revealed.
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • To follow Bessent’s reasoning, then, ordinary American consumers got charged billions of dollars to pay for a tax cut that put pennies in their pockets.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Highly adaptable professionals often feel stuck despite successful career changes, a phenomenon stemming from carrying outdated definitions of success into new roles.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • There are countless casualties in House of the Dragon but few more keenly felt than Helaena, Westeros’s sweetheart, whom Phia Saban played with a quiet and often funny dignity over the years.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Furthermore, understanding compensation gaps helps identify valuable expertise and actionable development paths.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Not necessarily having control of it, but understanding what Kanan did and how this was going to come back to him.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Her shoulder immediately touched the logo, causing a burning sensation.
    Anne D'Innocenzio, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • This October, global K-pop sensation BTS will arrive in Santiago as part of their comeback world tour, marking the latest chapter in Latin America's growing embrace of Korean culture.
    John Bartlett, NPR, 8 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sense. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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