sage 1 of 2

sage

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sage distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sage are judicious, prudent, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When can judicious be used instead of sage?

The words judicious and sage can be used in similar contexts, but judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

When would prudent be a good substitute for sage?

Although the words prudent and sage have much in common, prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

When could sane be used to replace sage?

The meanings of sane and sage largely overlap; however, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When is sapient a more appropriate choice than sage?

In some situations, the words sapient and sage are roughly equivalent. However, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When might sensible be a better fit than sage?

While in some cases nearly identical to sage, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

In what contexts can wise take the place of sage?

The synonyms wise and sage are sometimes interchangeable, but wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

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 sage
Noun
The iPhone 17s will be available in five colors (black, lavender, mist blue, sage and white) and iPhone Air will be available in four finishes (space black, cloud white, light gold and sky blue). Todd Spangler, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025 The iPhone 17 series will ship in five colors — lavender, mist blue, black, white and sage. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2025 This piece comes in 13 color options and is on sale in sage green velvet, taupe, cream, dark brown, blue, and orange. Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025 The 176 rooms make nice use of color—sage green walls, peach velour benches—plus separate lounge areas with an armchair and roomy desk. Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sage
Adjective
  • Wealthier schools are wise enough to ban smartphones or require oral exams.
    Eric Markowitz, Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Cost-wise, how does Little Village Grill stack up?
    Sunny Hubler, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Eisgruber, who is a scholar of constitutional law, believes that Sullivan is the cornerstone of American free-speech law.
    Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
  • And in that present, Fugazi’s drummer, a scholar of caste, and a border reporter are no longer distant figures.
    Javier Garcia del Moral September 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • At this point, a prudent President would have stayed silent.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
  • And for a program run by a nation-state or a billionaire that doesn't want to have a rocket blow up, this is prudent.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sage. Accessed 28 Sep. 2025.

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