commonsense 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of commonsensenext
as in logical
based on sound reasoning or information the commonsense interpretation of this so-called mysterious sighting

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

common sense

2 of 2

noun

as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters common sense should tell you not to meet face-to-face with someone who is just an online acquaintance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
News News Experts say common sense and communication are key. —Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2025 Dollars and common sense — Coach Prime’s been good for business (ticket sales, donations, merchandise, national media presence, etc.) from Day 1, a ratings draw whether the Buffs were 4-8 (in ’23) or 9-4 (in ’24). —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2025 The age of common sense crypto is here. —Sean Lee, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 Last month’s historic Supreme Court ruling underlines that assertion, moving it from the realm of common sense and common humanity into law. —Raymond Pierce, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
  1. logical
  2. prudence
  3. reasonable
  4. wisdom
  5. sense
  6. sensible
  7. horse sense
  8. rational
Adjective
  • That makes for a logical disconnect, and palpable hypocrisy.
    — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The logical conclusion is for the US to convert its gold holdings into bitcoin.
    — Korok Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of logical
Noun
  • Otherwise, there needs to be prudence, since the Heat are poised to potentially get back in the cap-space race in the 2026 offseason, when the contracts of Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier come off the books.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
  • What critics of interventionism have historically sought is prudence in foreign affairs—avoiding unnecessary wars while ensuring the protection of core national interests.
    — Andrew Latham, JSTOR Daily, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of prudence
Adjective
  • Instead, the new policy changes should be done more deliberately, with public input, a clear communication strategy and reasonable timeline, the AARP explained in the letter.
    — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Netanyahu was told to be reasonable on Turkey Since the fall of the Assad dynasty in Syria late last year, Israel and Turkey have been competing in the country over their separate interests there.
    — Time, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of reasonable
Noun
  • Until Black Panther’s record breaking $235 million opening, conventional industry wisdom held that films with predominantly Black casts typically underperform financially overseas.
    — Chris Lee, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Socrates warned that putting words on paper would destroy memory, weaken wisdom, and dull the human mind.
    — Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • His sharp sense of storytelling and visionary approach to content has consistently set him apart as a true leader.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • That has always been part of the Trumpist package of maybe not ideas in the sense of grand philosophies but certainly cultural ideas.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of sense
Adjective
  • Spectators got wind of the sensible footwear concealed by the Fiesta finery and began demanding to see the shoes.
    — Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Contrast this look with that of Timothée Chalamet, who took in the festival in a sensible ensemble of loose clothing, a backpack, hat and sunglasses.
    — Catherine Santino, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of sensible
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
Definition of horse sense
Adjective
  • Rajula Srivastava, for contributions in harmonic analysis and analytic number theory, including contributions to the problem of counting rational points near smooth manifolds.
    — Alex Cramer, HollywoodReporter, 6 Apr. 2025
  • There is no rational analysis that would lead one to the conclusion that a President would single-handedly decide to blow up a century’s worth of globalization on a chilly Wednesday afternoon in April.
    — Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of rational

Browse Nearby Words

common schools
commonsense
common sense
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Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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