sanity

noun

san·​i·​ty ˈsa-nə-tē 

: the quality or state of being sane

especially : soundness or health of mind

Synonyms

• daylights
• head
• marbles
• mind
• reason
• saneness
• wit(s)

Examples of sanity in a Sentence

People have begun to doubt his sanity.

She is the mother of six children but somehow keeps her sanity.

The sanity of the decision was never in question.

Recent Examples on the Web

In honor of the movie celebrating its 15th release anniversary on Feb. 19, here's everything to know about the psychological thriller and what that chilling final line signified about the main character’s sanity. —Nicole Briese, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025

As the character loses his sanity, his off-white robe begins to wilt, becoming threadlike and soiled. —Ash Wu, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2025

Bringing sanity and common sense and throwing it in the faces of the nasty legacy media. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025

Sometimes, the only way to preserve your sanity is to go a little insane yourself. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sanite, from Anglo-French sanité, from Latin sanitat-, sanitas health, sanity, from sanus healthy, sane

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sanity

• lose one's mind/sanity

Rhymes for sanity

• vanity
• christianity
• inhumanity
• humanity
• inanity
• insanity
• profanity
• urbanity

Kids Definition

sanity

noun

san·​i·​ty ˈsan-ət-ē 

: the quality or state of being sane

Medical Definition

sanity

noun

san·​i·​ty ˈsan-ət-ē 

plural sanities

: the quality or state of being sane

especially : soundness or health of mind

Legal Definition

sanity

noun

san·​i·​ty

: the quality or state of being sane compare insanity