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

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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

Examples of wisdom in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web The Soviet leadership must find the wisdom to settle this case quickly in accordance with the dictates of simple human decency and of civilized national behavior. —

Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Oct. 2024 And the way to best affect outcomes is to find the eye of the hurricane, and act from that place of inner strength and wisdom. —

Arianna Huffington, TIME, 21 Oct. 2024 The common wisdom is to allot 70- to 100-square inches of cooking area per person. —

Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2024 Yet Rwanda is a financial minnow in comparison and depends on donor aid to fund 40% of government expenditure, leading to questions about the wisdom of seeking to emulate Gulf petrostates. —

Adrian Blomfield, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wisdom

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wisdom

Noun

Experts not involved in the study said the research provides valuable insight into autism prevalence in adults, a group that federal researchers do not routinely monitor in autism surveillance.

Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
Keep an eye on news reports and industry analyses that might provide insights into your company’s financial health and overall market position.

Robert Gorin, WWD, 30 Oct. 2024