common sense

noun

: sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts
So far, I've had the common sense not to tweet anything ghastly.James Poniewozik
The poker players learns that sometimes both science and common sense are wrong. There is such a thing as absolute premonition of cards, a rock bottom surety of what will happen next.David Mamet
With tsunamis, it may seem only common sense to Earth scientists to run away from (and not toward) the water when the sea is drawn rapidly down and away from the beach as a tsunami approaches. But that response is counterintuitive for most people.Thomas C. Pierson
commonsense adjective
commonsensible adjective
commonsensical adjective
commonsensically adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for common sense

sense, common sense, judgment, wisdom mean ability to reach intelligent conclusions.

sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence.

a choice showing good sense

common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average.

a leader of rare wisdom

Examples of common sense in a Sentence

You really should go to see a doctor if your leg hurts that much. It's just common sense! Obey the laws and use common sense when operating your boat. She's very smart but she doesn't have a lot of common sense.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Last month’s historic Supreme Court ruling underlines that assertion, moving it from the realm of common sense and common humanity into law. Raymond Pierce, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 When Todd tries to coax him out of the car, Indy at first refuses, displaying the sort of common sense that humans in horror films too often lack. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025 Her recipe relies on experience and a generous helping of common sense. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2025 What if Connecticut were to trade a monster’s second chance for common sense policy and public safety? Matthew J. Funchion, Hartford Courant, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for common sense

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of common sense was in 1646

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Cite this Entry

“Common sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20sense. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

common sense

noun
: ordinary good sense and judgment
commonsense
ˌkäm-ən-ˌsen(t)s
adjective

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