1
2
3
4
5

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 Below, check out some of the artist’s wisest advice from his conversation with Cobo. Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 11 July 2025 Here, Beatrice is totally eclipsed by the brightness of being inside the sun, and the souls, who on earth were wise, prudent, temperate, and just, all blaze like the sun itself. Mary Jo Bang july 9, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025 In hindsight that decision may not have been the wisest. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 5 July 2025 Demonstrating a talent for working in fluent french peppered with a british accent, the actor delivers one of his most indelible acting turns as the sly, wry, and wise business mogul-turned- butler who finds new purpose in life working on the other side of the fence. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for wise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
Adjective
  • Compliance Simplified One can interpret the intention behind ASC 820 as aiding prudent investment decision making by increasing consistency, transparency and comparability in financial reporting.
    Tomas Milar, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • In accordance with the new laws that went into effect on July 1, condominium association directors are now able to use their best efforts with community reserve funds to make prudent investment decisions.
    L. Chere Trigg, Miami Herald, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Authorities aren't aware of any other injured, Police Chief Joe Silva said.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • Young musicians coming out of music schools should be aware of all the other kinds of music, and should be able to play those other types of music, because 95 percent of them will not play in symphony orchestras or as soloists.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Success, while desirable, can breed complacency and even a sense of entitlement, thus diluting urgency.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • The most desirable 914/4s are early 2.0-liter models, which range from around $30,000 to $100,000.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • For my family, our go-to choice is always Lake Como with its breathtaking scenery, cute villages, and some of the country’s best luxury hotels in this little part of Northern Italy.
    Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • Fortunately, Amazon is having a massive sale on cute linen clothes, and prices start at just $20.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Christina Aguilera is seen on July 22 with a bold red lip at The Savoy Theatre for the world premiere of Burlesque: The Musical in London.
    Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 24 July 2025
  • With stunning cinematography, emotional depth, and a breakout performance from a stellar cast, the series stands as a bold new entry in the canon of Black storytelling.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Each session offers insightful information presented in a colorful, understandable, and entertaining format that offers real food for thought!
    Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2025
  • Time To Value Realization One insightful metric is time to value realization, which measures how quickly a company can start deriving business value from an AI implementation.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 July 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
  • On Wednesday, multiple sheriff’s vehicles, including tactical teams, arrived at the home in the predawn hours, according to video posted on Facebook by the Valley Roadrunner, a weekly news publication.
    Kristina Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 July 2025
  • But the Trump administration sent officers from other agencies to Los Angeles, too, including the FBI and special tactical teams from the Department of Homeland Security not widely seen until now. Democrats in California’s Legislature have proposed measures to unmask the federal agents.
    CalMatters, Mercury News, 17 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wise

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!