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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 of wise in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web Contemplative: Take time to pause and deeply reflect, emerging wiser and more self-compassionate. Laurel Donnellan, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Market participants are divided over whether the move is necessary or even wise. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024 Keying on a Diotima dress for this moment was wise. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 18 Oct. 2024 His words came across as brutal, humble, calm, and wise all at once. Angel Diaz, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wise 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
Adjective
  • This commitment to financial discipline and a corporate culture of creativity, innovation, smart experimentation and prudent risk taking is the key to unlocking a firm’s full potential, regardless of size.
    Jeffrey Bartel, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
  • So rather than just hand it out to whoever asks, prudent people do some research, then decide where their money would be most effective.
    Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Whenever possible, athletic trainers should be on the sidelines to support student-athletes, Master said, and athletes should be aware of concussion symptoms in themselves and their teammates and seek care right away.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Specifically, Bill becomes increasingly aware of young girls being held and abused by the nuns of his convent, led by a sinister mother superior, Sister Mary (played with dark-eyed, cold-hearted terror by Emily Watson).
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Historically, land in desirable locations has appreciated faster than the costs of building materials.
    Danny Kattan, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
  • Online retailers were tasked with selling goods at a desirable price and offering efficient and speedy delivery.
    John Kell, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • As cute as the circular jog wheel is, having to enter a name for your schedules and programs is a pain.
    Anthony Karcz, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
  • The unease of the 2024 election requires something stronger than cute song-and-dance routines.
    Vogue, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This length was all added ahead of the windshield, giving the Vanquish the bold proportions of a proper dream car.
    Dan Carney, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Upcoming event: Join business's brightest minds and boldest leaders at the Fortune Global Forum, convening November 11 and 12 in New York City.
    Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • For seasoned meditators, the data gathering is more insightful than a regular health and fitness smart tracker.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Another insightful observation involved an old shoe.
    Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 31 Oct. 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
  • Analyze metrics, look at the short- and long-term trends, develop insights and align your team on any creative, strategic or tactical changes for the new year.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • If Russia’s gains turn from tactical to strategic, Moldova faces a threat much bigger than election interference.
    Clare Sebastian, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near wise

Cite this Entry

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on wise

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