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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 Word to the wise: the end credits are more like a Marvel movie as they are interrupted by a longish extra scene that includes a special cast member, blues legend Buddy Guy, plus yet another musical number at the end of credits. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025 Consulting with a financial advisor experienced in bear markets may also be wise. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Getting another running back on Day 3 is a wise move, and getting Deion Sanders into the Cowboys’ stratosphere at No. 239 will certainly make Jerry Jones smile. Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 Ignoring or suppressing the emotional fallout isn't wise. Russ Wiles, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
Adjective
  • Aston Villa accounting period covered 13 months, not one year. Source: Club financial statements All of which begs the question: are Levy and Spurs being excessively prudent?
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • As a result, many universities, including those in states with a 7% cap on prudent spending, will likely be able to increase their use of endowment funds to maintain their budgets at prior levels.
    Ellen P. Aprill, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Health professionals were aware of it, but no one from the public opinion, no one.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Pope Francis was said to be alert and aware throughout the health episodes and occasionally posted messages on X, acknowledging the good wishes sent his way.
    Phoebe Natanson, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Sometimes, the larvae would chew these body parts into more desirable sizes.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
  • No major surgery required, but one new face is desirable.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Save on breezy skirts, cute jeans, and stretchy yoga pants that are ideal for travel.
    Isabel Garcia, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • While there’s no doubt the videos feature cute little ones and are intended just for laughs, mental health professionals say what some parents view as harmless fun may actually be affecting children in unplanned ways.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Also, the Fed must be free to move quickly to deploy bold strategies, such as its bond-buying campaign during the 2008 financial crisis and emergency lending measures during the COVID-19 recession of 2020, Conti-Brown said.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • From bold predictions about who's walking out with championship gold to sit-downs with WWE superstars on the verge of history, this preshow is serving as your all-access pass into the chaos, glory, and drama that makes WrestleMania the biggest spectacle in sports entertainment.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For those interested in experiencing Nazareno's art firsthand, visiting the DuSable Museum's upcoming exhibition promises an insightful journey into the intersection of Afro-Brazilian traditions and contemporary artistic expression.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Looking at her life both in and out of the limelight, this insightful documentary explores how her voice still resonates today.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • On the contrary, Grade observes their fictional counterparts with a knowing, sometimes cynical, but always loving eye.
    Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The knowing sense that, for whatever reason, this is a place where you’re meant to be.
    Berit Thorkelson, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Videos and images shared on social media by the DEA showed officers and agents in tactical gear swarming outside the building.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The Crown’s offensive diversity — featuring 10 different goal scorers this season — proved ineffective against New England’s tactical discipline.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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