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

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
Physical activity helps reduce levels of stress hormones like cortisol while increasing endorphins and other brain chemicals that promote a sense of well being. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026 While Stetson wrote most of the score in advance of ever seeing picture, allowing the miniseries’ directors to get a sense of the vibe well in advance, the composer wrote to picture for the final episodes, and played all of the instruments himself. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
That’s in line with what most economists had expected – and likely what many American consumers have sensed. —Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026 Human eyes are remarkably good at sensing color gradients and brightness changes. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2026 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
  • The college aims to give its students an education that is not just about their work but about their lives—instilling in them a sense of purpose, restoring their feeling of competence, teaching them virtue.
    — Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
  • It’s designed to mimic the feeling of a luxury hotel bed, per the brand, with a soft and breathable pillow top, targeted back support, and a pressure-relieving core that contours to your body.
    — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of feeling
Noun
  • Ball will play the middle son, Cary, who inherited his mom’s razor-sharp wit and intellect.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Regardless of their work ethic, intellect and creativity, capital has always exploited them but never been willing to partner with them.
    — Jacob Walthour, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of intellect
Noun
  • China by contrast is beginning to look like a model of prudence and responsibility.
    — Anatol Lieven, Twin Cities, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Austria retained possession of Venetia, and prudence dictated to the delegates at the Congress of Vienna that continued Austrian predominance in Italy should guarantee the peninsula against French influence.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of prudence
Noun
  • The roar of applause from a grieving mother, not to mention a hug and handshake, has a deeper meaning.
    — Jermont Terry, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Rather, works of art are singular creations that convey meaning and embody cultural expressions.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 16 Apr. 2026
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • The cognitive workout chess provides includes reasoning, calculation, memory, visualization, and assessment skills.
    — Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Thinking digs into more complex problems that need stronger reasoning.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of reasoning
Verb
  • While the situation may feel serious, Lipsher stressed that preparation is about staying ahead of the problem, not panicking.
    — Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Consider the chain of contingencies that had to align, and the child’s existence can feel like a miracle.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Definition of feel
Verb
  • Clark said college students entering the job market today have to understand how to analyze and connect information across many disparate disciplines.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Researchers will also compare piRNA levels in blood with levels inside tissues to better understand how these molecules function.
    — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Definition of understand
Noun
  • The findings point to a fascinating idea that the brain doesn’t just store information tied to past events as raw sensations but also anchors them to memories of the body that people had when those events occurred.
    — Utkarsh Gupta, Scientific American, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Philadelphia's first goal was scored by 19-year-old sensation Porter Martone, who just weeks ago starred at Michigan State and now could be a dangerous weapon in the first-round series against Pittsburgh.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of sensation

Phrases Containing sense

Browse Nearby Words

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 19 Apr. 2026.

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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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