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common sense

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun common sense contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of common sense are judgment, sense, and wisdom. While all these words mean "ability to reach intelligent conclusions," common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

Where would judgment be a reasonable alternative to common sense?

While the synonyms judgment and common sense are close in meaning, judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

When would sense be a good substitute for common sense?

The synonyms sense and common sense are sometimes interchangeable, but sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence.

a choice showing good sense

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

The words wisdom and common sense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 commonsense
Noun
With so many common sense ways to bring down the rate of pertussis infections, there’s no excuse for any parent to have to hear that heartbreaking cough. Lisa Jarvis, The Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2025 This decision shows that public sentiment and legal pushback are starting to shift the conversation back toward common sense. Kathy Szeliga, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2025 The reality of capital punishment defies logic, morality and common sense. Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025 But nonetheless, this particular issue has still advanced by boardroom and industry leaders who know that this common sense boardroom control strengthens the entire cybersecurity system. Bob Zukis, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for commonsense 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • The policy becomes logical when considering the incubation periods of STDs and how those timelines differ between illnesses.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
  • In the absence of that, there may be a need for an arbiter, with Igbokwe and Berwick’s boss, Langley, as the logical choice.
    Peter White, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This is a win-win for financial prudence and the environment.
    Claus Jepsen, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
  • His insights extend beyond real estate, encompassing broader principles of financial prudence and personal development.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • All of this could have been avoided with any number of reasonable, common-sense approaches to addressing homebuilding on a statewide basis.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The moves alienated longtime shoppers who valued Kohl’s for its quality clothes at reasonable prices.
    Maria Sole Campinoti, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Reaching the remarkable age of 100 is a reflection of a life filled with wisdom, love and countless memories cherished.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Throughout the conversation, Teni’s inherent wisdom—which is way beyond her years—shines through.
    Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • However, things are looking more settled in 2025, and producers with market nous sense opportunity.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2025
  • The Hindu family, in other words, will not be coerced into sending their children to the Lutheran school in the sense that they will be tossed into jail if their kids go to the secular school.
    Ian Millhiser, Vox, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Another sensible name is Seahawks defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Karl Scott, who’s been with the Seahawks since 2022.
    Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The angle here will be for those who wish to adroitly adopt a frugal perspective and carry that predilection into their daily endeavors in a sensible fashion.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Our people have a horse sense for what good work is.
    Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024
  • His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
    Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024
Adjective
  • As brutal as the action looks on the surface, there is some rational trading taking place, even if some of the moves in individual stocks end up being overdone.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Our rational impulses are so automatic, and so strong, that we’re now faced with the problem of what to do with the irrational.
    Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near commonsense

common schools

commonsense

common sense

Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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