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common sense

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun common sense contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of common sense are judgment, sense, and wisdom. While all these words mean "ability to reach intelligent conclusions," common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

Where would judgment be a reasonable alternative to common sense?

While the synonyms judgment and common sense are close in meaning, judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

When would sense be a good substitute for common sense?

The synonyms sense and common sense are sometimes interchangeable, but sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence.

a choice showing good sense

In what contexts can wisdom take the place of common sense?

The words wisdom and common sense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average.

a leader of rare wisdom

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 commonsense
Noun
Ultimately, this is about putting common sense back in the driver’s seat. Dj Gribbin, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2025 Passing the Geriatric and Medical Parole bill is an act of compassion, justice and common sense. Jasmine L. Tyler, Baltimore Sun, 6 Feb. 2025 The fitness course seemed mostly a matter of common sense. Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 In the meantime, Trump has capitalized on presenting common sense and attractive policies. Max Thornberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for commonsense 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Be careful, though, not to let a rant become your reality: Your letter is brimming with unhelpful generalizations — that men are pigs, for instance — and logical inconsistencies.
    Philip Galanes, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
  • To ease the concern stakeholders and regulators may have about the vertical AI's use, include policies broken down into tree diagrams or mind maps for visible logical workflow.
    Vijay Pandey, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • India’s Nifty 50 index climbed around 0.8% ahead of the country’s Union Budget on Saturday, in which the government has to balance fiscal prudence with economic stimulus.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025
  • That prudence paid off earlier this week when China’s DeepSeek unveiled its free AI open-source technology.
    Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Time based: Set a reasonable time frame to reduce alcohol consumption.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025
  • After a reasonable time, drain the water — not into a city sewer or drainage area — and dispose of the soaked fireworks debris in a plastic garbage bag.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The image of monkey god Hanuman, representing wisdom, strength, courage, devotion and self-discipline, is prominently placed in the series, which pits Western notions of wealth and materialism against Buddhist concepts of selflessness and spirituality.
    Jordan Riefe, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Gryffindor stands for bravery, courage and chivalry; Hufflepuff is known for loyalty, kindness and hard work; Ravenclaw values wisdom, wit and a love of learning; Slytherin represents ambition, resourcefulness and determination.
    Kelsey Lentz, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This collab makes complete sense, as the pair will be kicking off their joint Grand National Tour in April.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Most of the actors in the film are alumni of the theatre program from the film, which led Alexander and Quesada to focus on the sense of freedom after rehabilitation for the song.
    Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In this case the most sensible move would be to shift Rafaela into a super utility bench role, install the prospect at left field and bump Duran over to center.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2025
  • City government is closest to the needs of residents’ everyday lives – snow plowing, garbage pickup, street lights, road repair, public safety, sensible economic development for low property taxes.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Our people have a horse sense for what good work is.
    Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024
  • His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
    Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024
Adjective
  • Now, our risk-taking has to be rational, but everything is a risk.
    Matt Slater, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Carlson inserted commentary throughout, reminding viewers to observe how sound of mind and rational West appeared.
    Aja Romano, Vox, 7 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near commonsense

common schools

commonsense

common sense

Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

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