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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 Though a wise Nationals fan wore a baseball glove, the 373-foot drive was too hot for him. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025 Cho, as the perceptive and generous Jin, distracted from his own family troubles by the sudden flashes of Casey’s bright light, is wise and rejuvenated; disinterested admiration makes this man, who looks to be in his forties, nearly a teen-ager again. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 20 June 2025 Over the last two seasons, Alexander has missed 20 games due to injury, and adding him into a cornerback room that is already reeling from health issues would not be the wisest decision. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2025 Which is wiser: Spending money on more firefighting resources after wildfires break out and absorbing the extraordinary cost of damages, or investing in technologies and training to prevent wildfires from happening in the first place? Abhishek Singh, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for wise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
Adjective
  • Banning any emulsifiers that might be found to cause serious harm would be prudent, but then foods that contain them would have to be reformulated—a costly, time-consuming endeavor.
    Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025
  • The trade Given these risks, hedging is prudent for investors with significant tech exposure, particularly those concerned about short-term volatility.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Musk’s comment about Bannon returning to prison was made under a post showing Trump’s Truth Social post, indicating that the billionaire is aware of the threat but is choosing not to respond yet.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
  • Leyva implies that Márquez was aware of and even sympathetic to the plan, citing text messages in which the two expressed mutual support.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Macaluso, too, suggests that rather than fighting over redfish, sportsmen ought to expand their notions of which fish are desirable.
    Boyce Upholt, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025
  • These two effects are desirable for reducing heart health risks.
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Amazon is stocked with tons of cute coin purses that capture the kawaii aesthetic of Japanese street style.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2025
  • Sourced from our favorite spots like J.Crew, Gap, Nordstrom Rack, and Amazon, these linen pieces are high quality and cute.
    Jeaneen Russell, People.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • One bold young woman lay on the ground and put her feet up, wide apart.
    Zadie Smith, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Her makeup included bold brows, lined eyes and a rosy lip.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Kong Research’s 2025 Enterprise LLM Adoption Report provides insightful revelations based on a comprehensive survey of 550 IT leaders, software developers and engineers.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • This initiative not only responds to the industry’s strong interest in new technologies but also underscores SIFF’s proactive and insightful role in shaping the future of the film ecosystem.
    Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • When the emails eventually came out, it was revealed that Donald Trump Jr. was a knowing and enthusiastic participant.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Hooded eyes, a linear slash for a mouth, a square jaw, a tousle of hair — the startling frugality of lines that bring the dying sitter to full life embodies the knowing depth of the couple’s relationship.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • When Doku opened the scoring in the ninth minute, Guardiola, with his hands as tactical puppets, was seen having a detailed talk with his striker on the bench.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • For Williams, the partnership is both tactical and deeply aligned.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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