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 She’s supported by a feisty cousin and a wise and loving uncle/surrogate father who just happens to converse with bees. The Know, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025 Neither too appealing, fantasy-wise. Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025 But the speculation gets very difficult when the buzzy companies with red-hot shares wise up and start offering stock in institutional-sized pieces when they have been bid up by retail buying. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2025 The English rock band was arguably the most aggressive outfit to perform at Woodstock, both musically and attitude-wise. Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
Adjective
  • That said, Gordon believes the sale announced by Tucker, who was promoted from Jack in the Box chief financial officer to CEO on March 31, is a prudent one.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • During my previous time on the board, my fellow members and I practiced prudent fiscal management that consistently extended the life of levies far beyond their original three-year term, some lasting as long as nine years.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The docuseries also included an allegation that Michaels was aware of the administration of caffeine pills to contestants — claims that Michaels quickly and vigorously denied.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Without nerve sensation, the patients weren’t aware of festering ulcers and infections, which therefore went untreated until amputation was the only option.
    Carrie Arnold, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Multiple board members cited the ability to make the time commitment and experience in K-12 education as desirable characteristics.
    Edward McKinnon, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2025
  • No matter how desirable the product, hefty price tags and a lack of charging infrastructure present a challenge for dealers when pitching the vehicles to their customers.
    Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Labubu craze doesn’t seem to be dying down any time soon, as new, mainstream, and rare editions are all in high demand, and fans often look for clothing and event advent calendars to accompany their cute yet scary figurines.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The girls want to be cute, too.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That connection—spiritual, communal, and generational—anchors Portrait, Joy’s third studio album and her boldest statement yet.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Alex Iniguez Our NHL staff shared one bold prediction for each team.
    Sam Settleman, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In general, Wall found Murphy to be insightful, hilarious and also spiritual.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Any insightful commentary on the 1% protecting themselves is rendered rote with a wimpy, ludicrous dénouement.
    Courtney Howard, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The effect is to infuse the story with an undeniable and knowing nostalgia; how quaint, at Alma’s party, to find everyone debating matters of representational consequence.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Then because the slow exposure times of the wet-plate process required everyone to stand stock-still for a second or so, each of his subjects became a knowing collaborator.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Left to ruminate and refine his tactical blueprint over a two-week international break, write off him and his side at your peril.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • These tactical alliances should not be mistaken for strategic realignment.
    Bobby Ghosh, Time, 16 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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