WISE Synonyms: 216 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

wise

adjective

ˈwīz

Definition of wise next

as in prudent

having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge a respected and wise old judge famous for her sensible rulings

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in aware

having inside information they fooled everyone else, but I'd heard them talking and was wise to their true intentions

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as in desirable

suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances selling the stock just before it plunged in value was a wise move on your part

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as in cute

making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred you wouldn't be so wise if you were the one suffering from hemorrhoids

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as in bold

displaying or marked by rude boldness she is competent, but she's always getting wise with the boss

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples of wise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some people lose fluid intelligence at a young age, whereas some octogenarians are still mentally sharp enough to hold office and be wise judges. —

Ezekiel J. Emanuel, The Atlantic, 6 Sep. 2024 Purchasing this coveted piece of cookware is an investment, which makes waiting for a sale the wise choice. —

Maggie Horton, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2024 However, creatives are wise not to take that prediction for granted. —

Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2024 The Silk & Snow Mattress’s firm construction is therefore a wiser pick for folks who are sick and tired of waking up with achy backs. —

Renee Cherry, SELF, 3 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wise

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wise.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Style

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

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Last Updated: 13 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of wise

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