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

2 of 2

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
By embracing the power of breath, parents not only calm their children but also foster a deeper sense of connection and understanding. Michelle Stansbury, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 In a sense, this patriotic, pro-military fantasy seems to be aimed at those least likely to support a candidate like Sutton — the gung-ho might-makes-right crowd that once embraced stars such as Stallone and Schwarzenegger. Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
Others, sensing a more looming crisis, rush to the helipads. Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Well-to-do ranchers out west, sensing the tides, began selling off their land to developers who’ve repurposed seas of pasture into subdivisions. Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sense
Noun
  • There was a feeling that the country was coming out of a massive crisis and that global institutions had a responsibility to help rebuild the country, strengthen its healthcare system, and make sure an outbreak like this could never happen again.
    The Dial, The Dial, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Their music taught me how to put lyrics to the feeling of love.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His omnivorous intellect went from one topic to another, exploring them in minute detail.
    Ilan Stavans, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Gabriel has long funneled his capacious intellect and empathy into music.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Otherwise, there needs to be prudence, since the Heat are poised to potentially get back in the cap-space race in the 2026 offseason, when the contracts of Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier come off the books.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
  • What critics of interventionism have historically sought is prudence in foreign affairs—avoiding unnecessary wars while ensuring the protection of core national interests.
    Andrew Latham, JSTOR Daily, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • These words capture the whole meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The journey of doing this has also had a lot to do with giving these things a second opportunity and a second life — getting them out of a warehouse or room or box and somebody actually using it and giving it a new meaning.
    Grace Weinrib, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • So, there is a tradeoff between costs and complexity from an agent perspective when comparing deep reasoning versus agentic workflows.
    Jason Andersen, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Graterol is on the injured list and has not played this season, so perhaps that was his reasoning.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In what felt like just a few seconds, the motion subsided, and my seat retreated back to the deck.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Extensive testing showed no genetic or environmental cause for her son’s condition, yet Hess felt somehow culpable.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • IndieWire understands the festival was waiting to confirm Denzel Washington’s attendance, and indeed the star will be at Cannes.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And like Bell, my bandmates and I understood why other artists were continuing to cancel their performances.
    Ryan Miller, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • You’re Exposed to Tear Gas Tear gas is a thick, powdery fog that sticks to moisture like saliva, sweat, tears, and mucous membranes and causes an intense burning sensation.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The totes, which are 13 x 11 x 6 in, hit stores in February 2024 and quickly became a viral sensation, with customers eager to take it home.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sense. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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