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Synonym Chooser

How is the word wise distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of wise are judicious, prudent, sage, sane, sapient, and sensible. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

Where would judicious be a reasonable alternative to wise?

In some situations, the words judicious and wise 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 can prudent be used instead of wise?

The synonyms prudent and wise are sometimes interchangeable, but prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

When is sage a more appropriate choice than wise?

While in some cases nearly identical to wise, sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When is it sensible to use sane instead of wise?

The meanings of sane and wise largely overlap; however, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

In what contexts can sapient take the place of wise?

The words sapient and wise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When could sensible be used to replace wise?

The words sensible and wise can be used in similar contexts, but sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

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 wise Steve Young—who wasn’t born an artist like Elway or Joe Montana but, rather, was a good student who took notes—serves as a kind of wise stand-in for the author at times. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025 Everyone is faster, stronger, and wiser. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025 Social media-wise, everybody was hating. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025 Wouldn’t expect much restriction role-wise for him today. Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
Adjective
  • But travelers would be prudent to regularly contact Spirit for updates.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • All of that being said, Los Angeles is a notoriously prudent organization, so the Chargers would surely tread carefully in any potential trade discussions for Jennings.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • European policymakers were fully aware of the reorganization and job losses at Volkswagen, Luman said, amid broader concerns that falling employment in Germany’s historic car industry could put even more positions at risk.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • More importantly, people became aware of the ecological value and beauty of raptors and turned against killing them.
    Tom Langen, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While cruise line operators are enjoying a surge in popularity after the pandemic badly battered the industry—and Carnival itself reported an all-time high of $25 billion in annual revenue in 2024—investments in AI and other technologies could make travel by ship even more desirable.
    John Kell, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • In Mexico, English and Spanish are desirable; in Canada, French is considered an asset.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ofeefan Long-Sleeve A-Line Ribbed-Knit Mini Dress This mini sweater dress would look cute with a cropped leather jacket and coordinating knee-high boots.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Ouligay Period Bag My teen and her friends always make sure to keep their period stashes organized in one cute pouch like this black one.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Known on the show for her bold Malaysian flavors, the baker regularly posts baking tips and recipes with her audience, and has even spent some time with fellow contestants.
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Carpenter joined a list of bold names like Lady Gaga, Tate McRae, Mariah Carey, and Ricky Martin as the night's performers.
    Mikelle Street, Them., 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Through candid interviews and insightful commentary, these voices share real-world experiences, challenges, and solutions—spanning pharmaceutical executives, academic researchers, patient advocates, and innovation partners.
    Forbes Books Press Release Official, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Yet, Aramayo’s sensitive portrayal of the man and Jones’ unflinching dedication to showing some of Davidson’s most painful moments, the ones that pushed him into action, add up to an insightful biopic that chronicles a very worthy subject.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Carpenter is plainly a student of Parton’s, evoking her pinup styling (voluminous hair, big red lips), her persona (sharp with a knowing wink), and her voice, which is rich and husky and accompanied by a country lilt.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Brooksby and the others thus violated the receivership order and did so in a knowing fashion.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Any tactical analysis of the other player’s game is likely to have happened already.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Ten Hag’s first season at United yielded silverware and a third-place league finish, but also had bouts of concerning away form, with tactical weaknesses that would eventually spread and critically undermine his plans for the future.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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