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

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 sense
Noun
His new pictures stars six-time Academy Award nominee Amy Adams in the role of a woman coming to terms with the next chapter of her life without the career that gave her fame, fortune and, most importantly, her sense of identity. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2025 Our chaotic surroundings, meanwhile, provide far more than just ten bits per second of information—and to be fair, the human senses can match this delivery. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
Plenty of social media users have lauded Holly for sensing an opportunity and taking it, leading to more than 700 comments on the TikTok video at the time of writing. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 The subordinate, sensing her intrigue, cheekily counters by shaming her afternoon caffeine habits. Fawnia Soo Hoo, refinery29.com, 25 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sense 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sense
Noun
  • The youngest Altman expressed feelings of estrangement from her family, particularly after their father, Jerry, died in 2018.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Jason Whitlock made his feelings clear about Joy Taylor in response to the Fox Sports lawsuit involving the journalist.
    Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Foreman theater answered this call by creating dreamscapes that eluded our intellect’s mania for control.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Hubert began gifting his fellow Orc with temporary intellect, which nearly caused an uprising amongst his clansmen.
    Kazuma Hashimoto, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • His insights extend beyond real estate, encompassing broader principles of financial prudence and personal development.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2025
  • Their prudence is warranted since the business case supporting DEI programs and their ideological underpinnings is losing ground as more research emerges.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Some 12,000 structures — buildings and cars — have been destroyed so far, and with them many tons of property of all levels of sentimental meaning.
    Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Without Payment Samsung Confirms Galaxy S25 Ultra Pre-Order, Release Dates And Special Offers For this to occur, your goals have to create real meaning in your life.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Regardless of the reasoning, here's what's going on with the rest of Intel's laptop chips this year.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 6 Jan. 2025
  • And for many, the reasoning behind the procrastination is simple: Investing is (seemingly) too complex.
    Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Across generations, 48% of women reported feeling stressed and anxious about their finances in comparison to 38% of men.
    Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Even if a section of the fanbase seems to feel otherwise in the wake of this season’s disappointing end.
    Matt Schneidman, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Researchers are working to understand the weapon’s significance and markings.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Deadline understands that the company has worked with Josh Berger, the former Warner Bros. UK chief, to assess interest among potential buyers, and that Bank of America has been repping the UK outfit.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Essentially, positive-constructive daydreaming involves allowing your mind to let go of focusing on external tasks and follow the random thoughts, sensations and distractions that emerge for a set period of time.
    Dr. Terrie Hope, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
  • The episodic waves of pain are often preceded by a queasy sensation in the stomach, which can persist even after the pain ceases.
    Kashif J. Piracha, Verywell Health, 1 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near sense

Cite this Entry

“Sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sense. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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