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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 The common wisdom, at least in food circles, is the water should taste like the sea. Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025 Traditional wisdom would also dictate that the dollar would gain if tariffs push the U.S. Federal Reserve to act with more caution in cutting interest rates this year, fearing a resurgence in inflation. Jenni Reid, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025 The unschooled elevate personalities over institutions and juvenile amusements — having fun — over the quest to diminish injustice, to strive for wisdom, to display courage and to be guided by every benevolent instinct of the human heart. Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2025 Practical spiritual applications for daily living based on ancient wisdom and spiritual traditions from around the world. Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wisdom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wisdom
Noun
  • Traders will look to speeches by several Fed officials later this week, hoping for insights into future monetary policy amid the concerns about the central bank's independence.
    Brijesh Patel, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • All of these qualities of a manuscript can provide insight into the person who made it.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This is a great watch for tweens as well as parents, with powerful messages of hope, empowerment through education, progress, and the benefits of science and tech in society.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news Living longer, healthier, and happier lives is a priority for many people.
    Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Otherwise, there needs to be prudence, since the Heat are poised to potentially get back in the cap-space race in the 2026 offseason, when the contracts of Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier come off the books.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
  • What critics of interventionism have historically sought is prudence in foreign affairs—avoiding unnecessary wars while ensuring the protection of core national interests.
    Andrew Latham, JSTOR Daily, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • All of this signifies that these schools have established their standing among the most competitive in the nation, both in terms of their desirability and selectivity.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Farnan recommends shopping quartz and granite for the best balance of cost and desirability.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Last week, Fyre Festival organizers fired back at the Playa del Carmen's statement saying the Mexican city's government had no knowledge of the event.
    Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Another lawsuit, from the state of Maine, lists and provides photographs of a litany of internal industry documents showing industry knowledge of the threat of climate change.
    Hannah Wiseman, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In this sense, Biden’s brand of post-neoliberalism fed the body but not the soul.
    Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
  • In a sense, this ichor functioned like a power source or electricity, circulating through the robot’s bronze limbs and fueling his movements and actions.
    Sofia Giannuzzi, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • With a breezy wit displayed over his thirty-plus-year career (including his breakout commentary during the 2024 Olympics which cemented his global influence), the artist observed the rare confluence of holidays with a simple image of himself as the Easter Bunny on X, formerly Twitter.
    Jeanie Pyun, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Maher, who has spent decades fine-tuning his brand of biting, socially charged humor to make sense of complex, often uncomfortable issues, brings a sharp wit that’s more thoughtful and layered than he’s often given credit for.
    Margie Warrell, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Create clear, consistent guidelines for public participation that prioritize citizen engagement over procedural expediency.
    Josue Sierra, Baltimore Sun, 12 Feb. 2025
  • The central bank, however, has consistently maintained its independence, which is essential for crafting policies that consider long-term economic stability over political expediency.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 29 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wisdom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wisdom. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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