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as in science
a body of facts learned by study or experience the orientation meetings will provide the company's old hands with an opportunity to pass on their wisdom to the new employees

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun wisdom contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wisdom are common sense, judgment, and sense. While all these words mean "ability to reach intelligent conclusions," wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average.

a leader of rare wisdom

In what contexts can common sense take the place of wisdom?

The words common sense and wisdom are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

When is it sensible to use judgment instead of wisdom?

In some situations, the words judgment and wisdom are roughly equivalent. However, judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

When might sense be a better fit than wisdom?

Although the words sense and wisdom have much in common, sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence.

a choice showing good sense

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 wisdom Close with Gratitude Whether your reading brought clarity or more questions, always close with thanks—to yourself, the cannabis plant, and the wisdom of the tarot. Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 20 May 2025 But Eleanor has backed herself into an awful corner, and in some ways, so too has Johansson’s film, which is stuck trying to impart sage wisdom through the lens of a truly hideous (if well-meaning) lie. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 May 2025 There are heartfelt conversations between mothers and sons, tensions between fathers and daughters, and moments where wisdom is passed down, often wrapped in warmth and accountability. Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 The word wisdom in China or any place that's quite old, that is completely out of style. Angela Andaloro, People.com, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for wisdom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wisdom
Noun
  • Scholars and journalist have tried to glean insight into his thinking by reading his speeches and writings and going through archival tape.
    Emily Feng, NPR, 28 May 2025
  • The accompanying tool kit, developed in collaboration with Woolmark’s global network of textile experts, provides in-depth insights into wool’s performance in denim applications, offering guidance on fiber selection, fabric construction, finishing techniques, and sustainability practices.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Original story reprinted with permission from Quanta Magazine, an editorially independent publication of the Simons Foundation whose mission is to enhance public understanding of science by covering research developments and trends in mathematics and the physical and life sciences.
    Shalma Wegsman, Wired News, 25 May 2025
  • As a transhumanist and longevity advocate, a primary goal in my life has been overcoming biological death with science.
    Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • But, as stated above with any Kevin Durant possibilities, pick prudence certainly does have to be part of any Heat transaction machinations going forward.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2025
  • Nonprofit plans, by contrast, often operate under strict reserve requirements, regulatory constraints and cultural norms that prioritize prudence over growth.
    Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • Lita and Trish Stratus dazzled with their skill and in-ring acrobatics, but the WWE leaned more into their desirability to satiate their audience’s cravings.
    Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 27 May 2025
  • Those two ingredients were described as key in reigniting desirability for luxury and fashion at a time of market volatility and low consumer confidence.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • González is a fountain of knowledge but also a great educator, explaining things in detail without being pretentious or condescending.
    Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Before they could be disposed of, Lodge took the remains without the knowledge or permission of Harvard, the donor of the cadavers or the donor's family, according to the U.S. attorney's office.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • This issue was built around residences that offer respite from the routine: homes that are in harmony with their environment and the rhythms of their inhabitants, and that offer an unabashed sense of fantasy and locale.
    Amy Astley, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025
  • Fears that the Wrigley video board would overwhelm the senses and make the center field scoreboard seem obsolete have mostly been allayed over the last decade.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • In fact, research has found that some animal species may indeed use wit to strengthen their bonds in the same way that many have the capacity for love, fear, sorrow, guilt, anger, shame, disgust and empathy – and that primates smile and some rats can giggle.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Director Vanessa Stallings’ entertaining and breezy staging brims with razor-sharp wit, physical comedy and pop-out visual surprises.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • And there are a lot of people within Biden world that feel that that decision was made for political expediency.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 20 May 2025
  • Altman was also seemingly trying to circumvent safety processes for expediency.
    Karen Hao, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wisdom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wisdom. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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