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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

Examples 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
Noun
How to drive with common sense in snow, ice Indianapolis and Indiana road conditions Check road conditions at 511in.org. Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Dec. 2024 The unflattering truth, this skeptic might continue, is that my views on slavery simply reflect the moral common sense of the society I was born into. Nikhil Krishnan, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024 But the combined weight of scientific endeavor being applied to the problem—plus a healthy dose of old-fashioned common sense—should mean the next Rudy Kurniawan is stopped before they ever really get started. Chris Hall, WIRED, 18 Dec. 2024 South Texas Hispanics in particular are joining the party of faith, family, freedom & common sense – the Republican Party. Bethany Blankley | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for commonsense 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Today’s drones are significantly more advanced than those at the war’s onset, and as the conflict continues, swarm technology is emerging as the next logical step.
    Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Managing partner Josh Harris established logical working parameters.
    Ben Standig, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • But silence in the face of existential danger isn’t wisdom or prudence.
    Jonathan Zimmerman, New York Daily News, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The Yankees have quickly shifted gears and are moving forward with enthusiasm and prudence.
    Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Louisville has many places to get a book for free or at reasonable prices — libraries, local bookstores and chains including Barnes & Noble and Half Price Books.
    Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 1 Jan. 2025
  • To us, as individuals who frequently whip up 12-clove Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry and don’t bat an eye about adding about 48 cloves to our homemade Chili Crisp, Ina Garten’s viral Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic recipe seems totally reasonable.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Indeed, the prevailing wisdom is that the garter toss is a sacred ritual dating back to the medieval age.
    Ivana Rihter, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Taking time to process these experiences allows leaders to extract wisdom from them and apply it to future decisions.
    Bryce Hoffman, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • This allows your look to retain an a sense of effortlessness, while still showing a bit of your shape.
    Christina Holevas, Vogue, 2 Jan. 2025
  • That gave Israelis a sense that the country was recovering.
    Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Upshot: There may be a tide of students seeking to locate sensible, affordable housing.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Contract rationale — Is the contract a sensible one given the player’s age, injury record, consistency etc?
    Duncan Alexander, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
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
  • Those feelings can flood your brain, overtake some of your rational decision-making ability, and lead you to shy away from asking difficult or direct questions.
    Michelle Greenberg-Kobrin, Contributor, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Striking this balance between rational responsibility and intrepid innovation will ensure trust and fairness while fostering breakthroughs that define market leaders.
    Douglas B. Laney, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near commonsense

common schools

commonsense

common sense

Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.

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