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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

Examples 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, spoiling your pet during the holidays comes down to common sense. Dr. Devon B. Smith, Baltimore Sun, 21 Nov. 2024 Despite the desperate cries for help, Governor Newsom and the state Legislature sabotaged efforts to pass common sense bills to strengthen the state’s theft and drug laws, playing a dangerous game of chicken with the state’s district attorneys in the hopes of derailing Prop. 36. Todd Spitzer, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024 Uniting citizens of all backgrounds around a common core of common sense. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Nix has to flirt with danger while remaining full of common sense. Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for commonsense 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Like so many other stars on the main roster, ranging from Cody Rhodes to Kevin Owens, The Bloodline has consistently targeted them in a way that makes their quest for revenge quite the logical one.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • To prevent yourself from imposing irrational penalties, set up house rules that outline logical consequences in advance.
    Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Parents, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • But silence in the face of existential danger isn’t wisdom or prudence.
    Jonathan Zimmerman, New York Daily News, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The Yankees have quickly shifted gears and are moving forward with enthusiasm and prudence.
    Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This is a reasonable request and a fair expectation.
    Brian Mitchell, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The two are linked: Disputes are much easier to solve when all parties have a reasonable prospect of prosperity.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Compassion practice opens the door to our heart and our wisdom in a way that invites us to offer an act of kindness t ourselves.
    Janice Marturano, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • The maturity of the record speaks to the growth that comes with age and wisdom — both are in their 50s — and the nagging discourse that hip-hop is a young person’s sport.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Stylistically, the songs wander from jaunty rock to roaring metal to solemn spoken word, but every verse is united by a low hum of feeling, the sense of great truth slowly rising into view.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The five human senses include sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.
    Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Albert is an adult — which may not be so entertaining on a night out, but seems the more logical choice for a sensible person like Charlotte.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The Japanese Honda brand, known historically for its sensible and efficient sedans and SUVs is focusing its efforts on off-roading capable models with the debut of its new Passport TrailSport and launch of the Pilot TrailSport.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
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
  • Those feelings can flood your brain, overtake some of your rational decision-making ability, and lead you to shy away from asking difficult or direct questions.
    Michelle Greenberg-Kobrin, Contributor, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Striking this balance between rational responsibility and intrepid innovation will ensure trust and fairness while fostering breakthroughs that define market leaders.
    Douglas B. Laney, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

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 25 Dec. 2024.

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