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

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 sane What ought to be the safest, most sacrosanct place in any sane society has been trashed — and to what end? Damon Wise, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025 Even as busy moms and entrepreneurs, what keeps them sane is their relationship with each other. Bon Appétit, 3 Feb. 2025 And that’s the last thing anyone needs in a world where protecting your peace and staying sane is already an uphill battle. Erica Sloan, SELF, 31 Jan. 2025 Another emotional roller-coaster year for Florida brought a deadly hurricane, distressing midterm elections and, for me, a bittersweet family exodus from the state to saner places. Fabiola Santiago, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
Adjective
  • Here’s what usually happens next JPMorgan cuts Tesla price target, sees stock getting slashed in half Goldman gave clients a stable stock list to buy if there’s a recession.
    Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The gap remained stable, and Piastri, who started P3, hovered further behind Verstappen.
    Luke Smith, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, temperatures are expected to be five to 12 degrees below normal, Lund said.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Madison – the episode’s host – along with Sarah Sherman and Ego Nwodim played high school students texting each other some normal teenage gossip… until Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, played by Andrew Dismukes, randomly popped into the chat to update the chain about a pending military plan.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s not a moment of lucid reflection or respite to be found in an hour and 16 minutes of music.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The former, while lucid, are often left wanting for a human anchor.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Estate planning allows people to make rational decisions about their assets, free from the iron grip of bloodline expectations.
    Ashley Case, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Financial behaviors like spending and saving are not solely based on rational decisions.
    Brian Lasher, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That would give it around 240 miles of range in the real world, which is reasonable.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The plaintiffs’ argument broadens the scope of EPCA beyond reasonable bounds, District Judge Ronnie Abrams wrote in the court’s opinion.
    Akielly Hu, Wired News, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • From an evolutionary standpoint, humans like symmetry and balanced proportions.
    Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Julie Butner, president and CEO of Tarrant Area Food Bank, said the organization has been able to maintain balanced supply and distribution through the local food purchase agreement.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Less than a week before the season opener, 38 healthy players remain in camp.
    Dennis Lin, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The current ideal of a healthy, comfortable coupling has not been essential to the survival of the species.
    Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Eros hates domesticity; Eros hates a sensible choice.
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2025
  • However, all the mysteries have so far been solved with sensible explanations.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sane

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!