WISE Synonyms: 216 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'wise' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of wise are judicious , prudent , sage , sane , sapient , and sensible . While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them. // wise beyond his tender years

Q: Where would 'judicious' be a reasonable alternative to 'wise'?

In some situations, the words judicious and wise are roughly equivalent. However, judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions. // judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

Q: When can 'prudent' be used instead of 'wise'?

The synonyms prudent and wise are sometimes interchangeable, but prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion. // a prudent decision to wait out the storm

Q: When is 'sage' a more appropriate choice than 'wise'?

While in some cases nearly identical to wise , sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom. // the sage advice of my father

Q: When is it sensible to use 'sane' instead of 'wise'?

The meanings of sane and wise largely overlap; however, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness. // remained sane even in times of crises

Q: In what contexts can 'sapient' take the place of 'wise'?

The words sapient and wise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment. // the sapient musings of an old philosopher

Q: When could 'sensible' be used to replace 'wise'?

The words sensible and wise can be used in similar contexts, but sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality. // a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

wise

adjective

ˈwīz

Definition of wise next

as in prudent

having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge a respected and wise old judge famous for her sensible rulings

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in aware

having inside information they fooled everyone else, but I'd heard them talking and was wise to their true intentions

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in desirable

suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances selling the stock just before it plunged in value was a wise move on your part

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as in cute

making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred you wouldn't be so wise if you were the one suffering from hemorrhoids

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in bold

displaying or marked by rude boldness she is competent, but she's always getting wise with the boss

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word wise distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of wise are judicious, prudent, sage, sane, sapient, and sensible. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

Where would judicious be a reasonable alternative to wise?

In some situations, the words judicious and wise are roughly equivalent. However, judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

When can prudent be used instead of wise?

The synonyms prudent and wise are sometimes interchangeable, but prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

When is sage a more appropriate choice than wise?

While in some cases nearly identical to wise, sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When is it sensible to use sane instead of wise?

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

remained sane even in times of crises

In what contexts can sapient take the place of wise?

The words sapient and wise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When could sensible be used to replace wise?

The words sensible and wise can be used in similar contexts, but sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

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 wise Back then, wise Israelis counseled that to remain an occupying power over an understandably angry people was not only morally repugnant, but could erode Israel's own society. —

Max Rodenbeck, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025 Coster-Waldau Bair, the eldest wise one and most respected member of the Taardad Aiel. —

Matt Minton, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025 While in-person social interactions support immune health, connecting remotely via Zoom or FaceTime may be wiser when the flu and cold season peaks from November to February. —

Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2025 Find someone who can be a sounding board and wise adviser with high mutual trust. —

Gregory Crawford, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise

Adjective

All but one speaker on the matter urged the city away from renewing the deal or encouraged officials to be prudent in any contract decisions.

— Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
If any South Carolina lawmakers are unsure about the need to bring the state’s top marginal income tax rate down further in order to be more competitive, Governor Brian Kemp (R-Ga.) recently demonstrated why Speaker Smith’s proposal is prudent.

— Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025