Synonym Chooser

How is the word sane distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sane are judicious, prudent, sage, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When might judicious be a better fit than sane?

In some situations, the words judicious and sane 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 is prudent a more appropriate choice than sane?

While the synonyms prudent and sane are close in meaning, prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

In what contexts can sage take the place of sane?

While in some cases nearly identical to sane, sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When is it sensible to use sapient instead of sane?

Although the words sapient and sane have much in common, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When could sensible be used to replace sane?

The meanings of sensible and sane largely overlap; however, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

Where would wise be a reasonable alternative to sane?

The synonyms wise and sane are sometimes interchangeable, but wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

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 sane The trailer below shows Daryl and Carol back on the trail in new locations, meeting new groups including people dancing around some burning effigy not looking terribly sane. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Paige nicely anchors her scenes as the one clearly sane character in this circus. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2024 This was the music, new and old, that kept me sane during 2024. Steve Baltin, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 Given that unfortunate history, why would any sane person volunteer to step into Newsom’s shoes? Dan Walters, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sane 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
Adjective
  • Emotional readiness might include feeling stable, curious about new opportunities or prepared for structured routines.
    Diane Winiarski, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Generally speaking, hormonal imbalances don’t lead to stable emotions.
    Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy: Caused by gene mutations, this is a rare condition that develops when fatty or scarred tissue replaces normal tissue in part of the heart, leading to irregular heartbeat.
    Elizabeth Millard, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Thousands of dockworkers from Maine to Texas launched a strike in October over wages and the use of automation, shutting down seaports along the East Coast and disrupting normal trade.
    Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Jones directed the finale, which contains a lucid dream for Riley inspired by many of his own.
    Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 12 Dec. 2024
  • This book is true crime and a murder mystery at its finest because of the extensive investigations and lucid writing about the facts of this magnificent horse’s tragic death — a horse who deserved so much better.
    GrrlScientist, Forbes, 11 Dec. 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
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
Adjective
  • Her Passion Fruit & Guava Mascarpone Tart is a beautifully balanced creamy, acidic dessert.
    The Bon Appétit and Epicurious Staffs, Bon Appétit, 10 Dec. 2024
  • This law is intended to ensure that advisory committees contain balanced representation (two billionaires does not constitute balance), and that federal open-records laws apply.
    Lisa Gilbert and Robert Weissman, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In the United States and around the world, the nonprofit works to ensure children grow up healthy, educated, and safe.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Wellbeing In The World Of Hybrid Working As remote and hybrid work becomes the norm, keeping employees fit, happy, and healthy requires new thinking.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 10 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

Thesaurus Entries Near sane

Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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