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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

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 wise On the latest frontier of analytics research, this is not considered wise. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024 Effective national security leadership requires a president with a steady temperament, alongside wise and experienced advisors. Sam Nunn, TIME, 2 Nov. 2024 Fey herself has a role playing the school’s wise, yet overwhelmed teacher, Ms. Norbury. Jane Lacroix, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024 Some are wise enough to move beyond their comfort zones: Just last month, Patek Philippe launched its first new collection in 25 years, aimed at a younger clientele. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wise 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
Adjective
  • The company continues its strategy of maintaining a conservative capital structure with prudent leverage.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
  • And after the chaos Washington descended into following the 2020 election, analysts might be prudent to assume Trump wouldn’t take another loss without an intense battle.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In her ruling rejecting Paxton's motion, Soifer said the timetable of the depositions does not warrant an emergency as both sides have been aware of the impending testimony since it was first approved in December.
    Hogan Gore, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Besides maintaining control of one’s own emotions, an emotionally intelligent leader is aware of their team members’ emotions and motivations.
    Leen Kawas, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Research has also shown that desirable low-stress rat environments retune their brains’ reward circuits, such as the nucleus accumbens.
    Kelly Lambert, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Unemployment dipped to its lowest level in 54 years in 2023 and stayed within a desirable range.
    Vox Staff, Vox, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The smallest monkey in the world, these cute critters weigh in at just over 4 ounces.
    Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
  • The Boots and Barkley Wave Scratcher ($15) from Target is not as cute, but my cats love it.
    Medea Giordano, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The suited ensemble featured a bold purple hue with a double-breasted blazer and gold buttons.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
  • AllModern Laurene Blackout Curtain Panel $45 $40 Wayfair There’s something timeless about a bold windowpane pattern.
    Will Porter, Architectural Digest, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Vreeland was a visionary who was revered within the industry, and her personality shines through in all these funny, insightful aphorisms.
    Emma Baxter-Wright, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • The starlet shares her children with Ol Parker (the two split in 2022), and the Scorpion sign has said so many beautiful, insightful things over the years about being a parent.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Brown, in response, gave the singer a knowing look before bursting into laughter and putting her hands to her chin.
    EW.com, EW.com, 23 Oct. 2024
  • There is more collaboration, more knowing and being known, more sweetness.
    Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, TIME, 17 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Remember: successful treks begin with the right gear, so keep scrolling to explore the 14 best tactical hiking pants, leggings, and tights that skip the bulk and maximize performance and comfort.
    Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Brancato’s ready to order a tactical pause, but Acting President Duke Nukem insists on moving forward with the attack.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near wise

Cite this Entry

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on wise

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