sense 1 of 2

1
as in feeling
an indefinite physical response to a stimulus a strange sense of discomfort brought on by the room's strong colors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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sense

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sense contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sense are common sense, judgment, and wisdom. While all these words 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

Where would common sense be a reasonable alternative to sense?

The words common sense and sense can be used in similar contexts, but common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

When would judgment be a good substitute for sense?

Although the words judgment and sense have much in common, judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

In what contexts can wisdom take the place of sense?

In some situations, the words wisdom and sense are roughly equivalent. However, 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 sense
Noun
How can home health employees restore a sense of well-being for their clients in an environment where every familiar touchpoint is gone? Josh Klein, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025 And then came the interview turn of center Orlando Robinson, a journeyman player in every sense, who, on this night, with Adebayo out, went for 14 points and nine rebounds and earned a postgame interview of his own on the team’s broadcast. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
Everyone in the room could sense the awkwardness that followed. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025 The horses, sensing the sudden change, began to stir. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sense 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sense
Noun
  • Her designs evoke visceral feelings and with each presentation her fanbase of editors, stylists, fashion insiders and the like grows.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The Boston Red Sox reportedly are interested in running with Justin Turner, but is the feeling mutual?
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Lawler’s Suzy is a poignant mass of fierce intellect and crushing vulnerability, of resolute determination and emotional chaos.
    Chad Jones, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
  • The shows demonstrate the breadth of Merritt’s curiosity, intellect, and playful sensibility, touching on everything from the struggle against nature to an arguably unhealthy obsession with the post-hardcore/emo band My Chemical Romance.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 21 Jan. 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
Noun
  • One in Spanish asked the Spanish Royal Academy for the meaning of a list of verbs including ‘to pressure’, ‘to intimidate’, ‘to coerce’ and ‘to influence’.
    Dermot Corrigan, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Those two words — Philly's affectionate salutation — have taken on deeper meaning as the city grapples with the aftermath of a tragedy that killed seven people and injured dozens more.
    Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Human beings possess powers of emotional reasoning that give us an edge.
    Tara Sonenshine, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The president did not share his reasoning for pausing China’s de minimis ban, but he may have been swayed by a meeting with FedEx chairman and founder Frederick W. Smith, who reportedly visited the White House on Thursday.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Like penguins, dolphins, and whales, people feel a strong connection to them.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Brand founder Rosie Jane designs her clean scents to feel easy, breezy, and imminently wearable in everyday life.
    Jenny Berg, Allure, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Variety understands that the film is semi-autobiographical and is about the relationship between a father and his two young boys over the course of a day in the Nigerian city.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025
  • When policies improve learning, the researchers say, schools need to know that — and to understand why.
    Cory Turner, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • But now, the former social media sensation is in the spotlight once again, as the Netflix limited series Apple Cider Vinegar brings the story of her rise and fall to the small screen.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
  • The move pairs Fox with French sensation Victor Wembanyama, last season’s rookie of the year.
    Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near sense

Cite this Entry

“Sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sense. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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