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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
Noun
When will the party learn some common sense? Editorial: Donald Trump uses Democrats as stooges at address to Congress. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025 Until more is known about how plastic behaves inside our bodies, the researchers recommend taking common sense approaches like not using tea bags made from plastic, not heating food in plastic containers in the microwave, and shifting away from drinking out of plastic water bottles. Michael Franco, New Atlas, 5 Mar. 2025 Last month’s historic Supreme Court ruling underlines that assertion, moving it from the realm of common sense and common humanity into law. Raymond Pierce, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 When Todd tries to coax him out of the car, Indy at first refuses, displaying the sort of common sense that humans in horror films too often lack. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Las Vegas had the worst rushing offense in the league last year, and with Geno Smith now tied down at quarterback, a running back would be a logical pick for new coach Pete Carroll.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Those used in the past decade (Nike’s Ordem, Merlin and Flight models) have seemingly been easier to curl in a natural, logical manner.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The company reported a strong quarter in early February but left its outlook unchanged for the rest of the year out of prudence and conservatism.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2025
  • For investors caught between FOMO and financial prudence, even Goldman suggests hedging your bets.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition, corporations have to determine what a reasonable wage is, which typically requires the help of an accountant.
    Vlad Rusz, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Otherwise, the Bruins could try to get something reasonable in return on the open market.
    Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Mentoring is about passing along the wisdom learned from the successes and failures of one’s career to the next generation.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Even perfectly legitimate laws can be enforced in ways that are harmful, and good governance requires the wisdom to enforce the law in ways that are consistent with other values.
    Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Migraine With Aura About 25% of people with migraines experience an aura, a temporary, reversible change in their senses.
    Janelle McSwiggin, MSN, Health, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Rather than surprising the audience with the plane crash that sets off Death’s design, each iteration of the script opens with a sense of foreboding that something is wrong.
    Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Eros hates domesticity; Eros hates a sensible choice.
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2025
  • However, all the mysteries have so far been solved with sensible explanations.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 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 when the accusations are unfounded, even when the risks are small, the mere possibility of being a sucker can be psychologically potent enough to undermine a rational preference for cooperation.
    Tess Wilkinson-Ryan, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
  • This all points to a more rational, less economically harmful climate policy, but, as always, there’s going to be litigation.
    The Editors, National Review, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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