common sense

noun

: sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts
So far, I've had the common sense not to tweet anything ghastly.James Poniewozik
The poker players learns that sometimes both science and common sense are wrong. There is such a thing as absolute premonition of cards, a rock bottom surety of what will happen next.David Mamet
With tsunamis, it may seem only common sense to Earth scientists to run away from (and not toward) the water when the sea is drawn rapidly down and away from the beach as a tsunami approaches. But that response is counterintuitive for most people.Thomas C. Pierson
commonsense adjective
commonsensible adjective
commonsensical adjective
commonsensically adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for common sense

sense, common sense, judgment, wisdom 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

common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average.

a leader of rare wisdom

Examples of common sense in a Sentence

You really should go to see a doctor if your leg hurts that much. It's just common sense! Obey the laws and use common sense when operating your boat. She's very smart but she doesn't have a lot of common sense.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement and instead trusts them to use common sense. Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 Most notably, a trade involving Bradley Beal going to Milwaukee, Butler going to Phoenix and at least one other team being involved besides Miami, seems highly plausible, based both on reporting by my intrepid colleagues at The Athletic and the common sense of looking at a cap sheet. John Hollinger, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 And now a new Trump administration is on the horizon with hope renewed for safety and security for our families and nation…who could have thought that Rachel's story, her life, would help to change our country, bring us back to foundational truths and common sense. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 20 Jan. 2025 This literary escape is also sympathetic, clever and relevant, and proves that complex societal issues can sometimes be explained with a dose of common sense. The Know, The Denver Post, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for common sense 

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of common sense was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near common sense

Cite this Entry

“Common sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20sense. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

common sense

noun
: ordinary good sense and judgment
commonsense
ˌkäm-ən-ˌsen(t)s
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on common sense

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