commonsense 1 of 2

Definition of commonsensenext

common sense

2 of 2

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
The governor should take a page from Richards and the commonsense solution of responsibly reducing the prison population. Steve Zeidman, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026 And so, the commonsense Democrats have to come to the table, figure out a solution to, again, let these lines flow. ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
In an interview with The Times, Kiley said his vote was about common sense and being humane. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026 This initiative represents one part of our FDA common sense modernization campaign. Marty Makary, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Thus, if here is any short-term rotation out of technology after its historic rally, financials could become a logical area for investors to revisit.
    Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 6 May 2026
  • Each one takes just as much computing work as the last one, regardless of whether the token is just a filler word in an output or a key piece of information in a complex logical problem.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • That prudence by supporters of the center, including County Commissioner Raquel Regalado and Judge Steve Leifman, is now being used against them to keep the center in limbo.
    Jim DeFede, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • By all accounts, being a milquetoast is a sort of vice—cowardice masquerading as prudence.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And that is actually a reasonable price for those books.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
  • Bowman noted the authority is guided by state law and case law in its decisions and deciding what is just and reasonable by a preponderance of evidence.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • The accepted wisdom in yacht design has been that the fastest ocean passages can only be achieved by multihull craft, such as the current crop of Ultim trimarans, which have three hulls in parallel and have set the big records of the past decade.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • These visionary artist‑activists have created performances binding Jewish wisdom with ecological awareness, exploring renewal, belonging, and resilience in the face of the ecological crisis, the news release stated.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Keep the conversation moving, and let flexibility strengthen your position and perspective while maintaining your sense of balance and fairness.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
  • While the work’s English title might indicate a sense of amusement or distraction, the Chinese title is an idiom that refers to being caught in a dilemma, like a boat that has left one shore but has not yet reached the other.
    Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Their mother is obsessed with marrying all the girls off, but has seemingly decided that bookish, sensible Mary isn’t worth the energy.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 May 2026
  • Our self-interest has usually been of the sensible sort.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Anheuser-Busch will have to see how viewers react to its latest ad to determine if consumers think the Clydesdales still present good horse sense or represent a horse of a different color.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Our people have a horse sense for what good work is.
    Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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