as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters
pure horse sense should tell you it's dangerous to play with matches
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Recent Examples of horse sense
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
My bet is that Smith has that political horse sense.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 8 June 2023
But Lord knows, there’s a mountain of acumen and perspicacity or, in plain terms, good horse sense stored in those minds and souls.
—Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Jan. 2023
Back in 2011, Daniels, a former Bush White House official and two-term Indiana governor known for his conservative horse sense and low-key manner, passed on a White House run and went on to accept the Purdue presidency.
—Frederick Hess, Forbes, 16 June 2022
In an age when Hollywood’s highest-profile parent-child relationship is that between Britney Spears and her father, what could be more refreshing than the homespun horse sense of the Howard boys?
—Peter Tonguette, WSJ, 7 Oct. 2021
People have many ways of talking about intuition: gut, nose, sixth sense, horse sense, Spidey-sense.
—Steve Kolowich, Washington Post, 20 June 2019
His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
—Southern Living, 14 May 2018
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
My bet is that Smith has that political horse sense.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 8 June 2023
But Lord knows, there’s a mountain of acumen and perspicacity or, in plain terms, good horse sense stored in those minds and souls.
—Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Jan. 2023
Back in 2011, Daniels, a former Bush White House official and two-term Indiana governor known for his conservative horse sense and low-key manner, passed on a White House run and went on to accept the Purdue presidency.
—Frederick Hess, Forbes, 16 June 2022
In an age when Hollywood’s highest-profile parent-child relationship is that between Britney Spears and her father, what could be more refreshing than the homespun horse sense of the Howard boys?
—Peter Tonguette, WSJ, 7 Oct. 2021
People have many ways of talking about intuition: gut, nose, sixth sense, horse sense, Spidey-sense.
—Steve Kolowich, Washington Post, 20 June 2019
His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
—Southern Living, 14 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for horse sense
Noun
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But, as stated above with any Kevin Durant possibilities, pick prudence certainly does have to be part of any Heat transaction machinations going forward.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
9 May 2025
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Nonprofit plans, by contrast, often operate under strict reserve requirements, regulatory constraints and cultural norms that prioritize prudence over growth.—
Sachin H. Jain,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
Noun
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Many family members and friends have offered nuggets of wisdom to my son during his graduation.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
6 June 2025
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When the residents of Salem last saw Hogestyn, the character he's played since 1986 was imparting some poignant words of wisdom on his grandson, Tate (Leo Howard).—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
3 June 2025
Noun
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The recent wave of popularity sparked by the game’s youngest stars — including Fever guard Caitlin Clark, who missed her fourth straight game with a left quadriceps strain — have brought a new sense of appreciation from players both veteran and new.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
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The full trailer emphasizes the sense of community among the crew members, showcasing budding romances, space adventures, and an explosive science experiment.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
8 June 2025
Noun
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It is staffed by a small group of volunteers, some of whom are experts and some of whom are applying common sense.—
Nick Nuttall,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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Nevertheless, the Moon is at odds with Mercury, which makes your emotions grab hold of you and overrule your common sense.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
3 June 2025
Noun
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With his signature blend of lo-fi aesthetics and sharp, high-concept wit, Reece delivers another visionary exploration of Oklahoma and a darkly comic meditation on the fractured American soul.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
5 June 2025
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Black Bag succeeds on its style and chilly wit, and on the cool, nervy appeal of its two stars.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 June 2025
Noun
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With his high profile, confrontational statements and postings on social media, Musk has become a lightning rod for people across America and around the world opposed to the policies of US President Donald Trump’s administration.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
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First of all, for a period of time, starvation was the practical policy of the Israeli government.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Horse sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horse%20sense. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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