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common sense

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun common sense contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of common sense are judgment, sense, and wisdom. While all these words mean "ability to reach intelligent conclusions," common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

Where would judgment be a reasonable alternative to common sense?

While the synonyms judgment and common sense are close in meaning, judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

When would sense be a good substitute for common sense?

The synonyms sense and common sense are sometimes interchangeable, but sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence.

a choice showing good sense

In what contexts can wisdom take the place of common sense?

The words wisdom and common sense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average.

a leader of rare wisdom

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 commonsense
Adjective
This multi-billion dollar industry preys on the poorest families in their most desperate times while spending millions of dollars lobbying against commonsense pretrial reform that might impact the industry’s bottomline. Rebecca Wallace, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2025 Legislators in Springfield have proposed commonsense protections to preserve Illinois’ remaining wetlands and ensure that new development doesn’t come at the expense of communities downstream. Howard Learner, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
In the lion’s den, no less, at left leaning venues, hoping facts and common sense would prevail. Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Outsider perspective plus common sense. Big Think, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • That is logical, but Emmys aren’t always logical.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Sometimes, certain decisions feel easier than others, even when both types of choices (intuitive and logical) seem important.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But those with long memories are tempering enthusiasm with prudence, remembering how the dot-com bubble led to unsustainable valuations and a painful crash.
    Tiz Gambacorta, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • This was a chance for Biden to take the high road, to toe the fiscal line and display financial prudence.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The most successful organizations will be those that leverage AI to eliminate mundane tasks, allowing employees to focus on high-value creative and strategic work within reasonable timeframes.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The reasonable monthlies, at $822, get you a bike room, in-building laundry, and a storage unit.
    Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Leadership often comes down to having the wisdom to make the most difficult business choices.
    Dr. Jonathan Reichental, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • First, some perspective courtesy of the wisdom and wit of former Chiefs coach Marv Levy.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Bryce Young has to be better After building up an immense sense of goodwill, locally and nationally, with his second-half performance from last year, Young essentially melted away in the Jacksonville heat.
    DIAMOND VENCES, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Giving people a greater sense of agency.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And any sensible apple grower in Ontario knew their cash crop would be the McIntosh.
    Mark Dent, HubSpot, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Many states take sensible steps—background checks, extreme risk protection orders, and safe storage laws—all policies that help reduce gun crime and gun deaths.
    Gabby Giffords, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Our people have a horse sense for what good work is.
    Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024
  • His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
    Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024
Adjective
  • Even investors who pride themselves on rational decisions know that fear, excitement or uncertainty can often enter the picture.
    Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Even in situations where logic seems to provide you a clear answer, what seems rational may not always feel right or make sense for you personally.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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