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

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 sage
Noun
The fried calamari was not overly breaded and paired perfectly with the aioli made with sage, red pepper marmalade and lemon. Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025 For the main event, the signature Chicken, Chestnut, and Tarragon Pie with red wine jus, the exquisite 50-Day Aged Roast Rib of Cornish Beef with Yorkshire pudding or the classic Roast Bronze Turkey with apricot, sage and onion stuffing, and chestnut stuffing. Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 One such place is adorned with white brick, sage green metal windows, and deep blue stucco. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024 White sage, cranberry chutney, and blood orange zest fill the palate, followed by deeper red tones of raspberry, plum, and rose petal florals. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sage 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sage
Adjective
  • Find someone who can be a sounding board and wise adviser with high mutual trust.
    Gregory Crawford, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Bowman is likely to add at the deadline, but giving Philp a shot in January and February would be wise.
    Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • As technology improves and allows better reading of the manuscript, scholars continue to debate the content of the document and how the fragments should be put together in the hopes of gaining even more insight into Hellenic religion and philosophy of the time.
    Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Michael Wara, an energy and climate scholar at Stanford University, said the state’s entire insurance landscape, not just the California’s wildfire fund, might have to be recalibrated if a utility company were found to have caused a major L.A. fire.
    Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Choi has similarly spoken about the importance of handling the delicate situation in a prudent manner that avoids sparking wider unrest.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The Chiefs made the call before their game that kicked off at 3:25 p.m. Central Time that remaining in Denver was the prudent move.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near sage

Cite this Entry

“Sage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sage. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sage

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