WISDOM Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'wisdom' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wisdom are common sense , judgment , and sense . While all these words mean "ability to reach intelligent conclusions," wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average. // a leader of rare wisdom

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

The words common sense and wisdom are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge. // common sense tells me it's wrong

Q: When is it sensible to use 'judgment' instead of 'wisdom'?

In some situations, the words judgment and wisdom are roughly equivalent. However, judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity. // they relied on her judgment for guidance

Q: When might 'sense' be a better fit than 'wisdom'?

Although the words sense and wisdom have much in common, sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence. // a choice showing good sense

wisdom

noun

ˈwiz-dəm

Definition of wisdom next

as in insight

the ability to understand inner qualities or relationships with age and experience comes wisdom—hopefully neither book learning nor simple intelligence should be confused with wisdom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in science

a body of facts learned by study or experience the orientation meetings will provide the company's old hands with an opportunity to pass on their wisdom to the new employees

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as in prudence

the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters had overstayed her welcome and lacked the wisdom to know it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in desirability

suitability for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances wondered about the wisdom of hiring such an inexperienced girl to care for the children

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun wisdom contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wisdom are common sense, judgment, and sense. While all these words mean "ability to reach intelligent conclusions," wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average.

a leader of rare wisdom

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

The words common sense and wisdom are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

When is it sensible to use judgment instead of wisdom?

In some situations, the words judgment and wisdom are roughly equivalent. However, judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

When might sense be a better fit than wisdom?

Although the words sense and wisdom have much in common, sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence.

a choice showing good sense

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 wisdom Why McDonald’s Pokémon Happy Meals Are A Family Favorite In 2025 How Your Visceral Organs Connect To Your Emotions According to traditional Chinese wisdom, many emotions are closely tied to the visceral organs and the five basic elements. —

Joseph Sudhip, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Offering some words of wisdom or a little extra encouragement in addition to your congratulations could go a long way. —

Anna Moeslein, Parents, 21 Jan. 2025 Sunday’s Mayfair Witches, the third episode of Season 2, put Lasher in the path of a vampire named Felix who imparted some wisdom about navigating life in the shadows. —

Andy Swift, TVLine, 19 Jan. 2025 Imagining this new approach to growth, which blends traditional wisdom and innovative policies, can help rebuild trust in economic policy, revive the economic fortunes of populations at risk of being left behind, and address the uncertainties of a new economic era. —

Saadia Zahidi, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wisdom

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wisdom

Noun

Investors will also await the personal consumption expenditures price index — the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge — on Friday, which will offer insights into the health of the U.S. economy.

— Sean Conlon,Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025
Here, experts offer Newsweek some insights into managing the rising costs of pet health care.

— Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025