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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 Infrastructure wise Wrexham are way behind the majority of their competitors. The Athletic Fc Podcast, New York Times, 2 May 2025 The Colorado General Assembly is considering overriding Gov. Jared Polis’ wise veto of Senate Bill 77, which would allow government agencies to take longer to give the public documents that are subject to the Colorado Open Records Act. Jim Martin, Denver Post, 1 May 2025 Things to Consider Before Choosing Turkey Over the USA Choosing based solely on cost isn’t always wise. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025 In that sense, many investors would be wise not to sell stocks — and should perhaps even buy more, analysts said. Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
Adjective
  • Washington State's prudent financial governance stands in stark contrast to Washington DC's struggle with fiscal discipline.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • In each case, Simon stresses that best-available player not only is the safest approach but also the most prudent.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • This process is vital for learning and memory and for being conscious and aware.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Everyone is aware of the noise from the media and on the message boards (shoutout Lakers reddit), no one is acting like a trade is going to happen this summer for a couple of reasons.
    Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • There is no obvious spot for two more games on the opening weekend that would provide a desirable, exclusive TV window.
    Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Dear Liz: My husband and I built a home on a hillside over 30 years ago in a desirable neighborhood with a beautiful view.
    Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • She has been married twice, marrying director Chris Calkins in 2009. 08 of 09 Woody Harrelson as Woody Boyd Woody Harrelson's Woody Boyd joined Cheers in season 4 as a not-so-bright but very cute bartender.
    Kate Hogan, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • Located about 10 minutes from downtown, the winery has a tasting room and a cute patio for outdoor sipping.
    Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • This is maximalism to a T: a big stripe, a ruffle detail, a bold contrast.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 25 May 2025
  • While some men gravitate toward bold logos or avant-garde streetwear, Powers advises balance.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Listen to insightful lectures, marvel at the cosmos and nerd out with fellow astrophiles.
    Sarah Kuta, Denver Post, 14 May 2025
  • Early in that conflict, insightful leaders in Britain and the U.S. concluded that new international organizations were essential to avert a third world war.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • On the contrary, Grade observes their fictional counterparts with a knowing, sometimes cynical, but always loving eye.
    Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The second quality is psychological: his tactical reading of the game.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Relying on a single revenue stream, funding partner or tactical approach is increasingly risky.
    Kirsten Wegner, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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