sense 1 of 2

1
as in feeling
an indefinite physical response to a stimulus a strange sense of discomfort brought on by the room's strong colors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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sense

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sense contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sense are common sense, judgment, and wisdom. While all these words mean "ability to reach intelligent conclusions," sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence.

a choice showing good sense

Where would common sense be a reasonable alternative to sense?

The words common sense and sense can be used in similar contexts, but common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

When would judgment be a good substitute for sense?

Although the words judgment and sense have much in common, judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

In what contexts can wisdom take the place of sense?

In some situations, the words wisdom and sense are roughly equivalent. However, 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 sense
Noun
The Hindu family, in other words, will not be coerced into sending their children to the Lutheran school in the sense that they will be tossed into jail if their kids go to the secular school. Ian Millhiser, Vox, 28 Jan. 2025 However, things are looking more settled in 2025, and producers with market nous sense opportunity. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
Beyond Connectivity: Wireless Sensing Enhances Safety And Convenience While wireless technologies are mostly known for connecting, new approaches to using other wireless spectrums to sense motion are becoming more widely available. Iri Trashanki, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 But on this night in June 2022, Hollis senses death at the door. Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sense 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sense
Noun
  • Plan something extra special and put those feelings into action.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
  • The demonstration comes amid a restrained moment of reflection as many progressive voters navigate feelings of exhaustion, disappointment and despair after Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' loss.
    LINDSAY WHITEHURST, arkansasonline.com, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Franklin’s Pragmatic Idealism: Impact Over Ideology Franklin’s brilliance was not only in his intellect but in his ability to turn ideas into real-world solutions.
    Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Reeder’s a smallish winger (5-foot-10, 170 pounds) who relies on his on-ice intellect to navigate the ice, play off his linemates, find pockets of space and distribute.
    Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This is a win-win for financial prudence and the environment.
    Claus Jepsen, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
  • His insights extend beyond real estate, encompassing broader principles of financial prudence and personal development.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • At a glance, there was nothing special about the Burbank location of the Bob’s Big Boy chain, but over the course of seven years and several decades of filmmaking, Mr. Lynch had demonstrated that illuminating something ordinary could give it meaning and reveal its mysteries.
    Tejal Rao, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Last year, Judge Royce Lamberth made a long and detailed statement about January 6: its perpetrators, the meaning of their actions.
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch wrote separately, with Gorsuch agreeing with the outcome of the case but splitting with the court's reasoning.
    Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Most of the disdain for the current pricing model most medical facilities and companies use doesn't just center around the cost itself, but the lack of transparency for most charges and the reasoning why mundane items are so expensive.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • However, Girma’s deal feels different and bigger than all of those, as the key to the USWNT defense signed a long-term deal with Chelsea, signaling a new level of ambition.
    Emily Olsen, The Athletic, 28 Jan. 2025
  • The most recent iteration of the Phantom keeps that plush underfoot feel and snug fit, and adds a convenient pull tab at the back of the shoe’s opening.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Want to understand the impact of tech on your body and how to live better with your devices?
    Manuela López Restrepo, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The past week has proven a surreal one for TikTok's users and creators, many of whom are struggling to understand how this proved to be the one issue that could unite Democrats and Republicans.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Written by Senior Editor of Harvard Business Review Kevin Evers, the book explores the strategic moves made by Swift, 35, in her incredible career, from her first forays as a 13-year-old singing at a local mall to becoming a multi-billion-dollar global sensation.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
  • On the internet, Challengers was a cultural sensation.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near sense

Cite this Entry

“Sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sense. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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