sage 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of sagenext
as in wise
having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge a sage suggestion that anyone should think long and hard before deciding to marry

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sage

2 of 2

noun

ˈsāj How to pronounce sage (audio)
as in scholar
a person of deep wisdom or learning the young prince made a pilgrimage to the sage, hoping to learn the meaning of life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sage distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sage are judicious, prudent, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When can judicious be used instead of sage?

The words judicious and sage can be used in similar contexts, but judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

When would prudent be a good substitute for sage?

Although the words prudent and sage have much in common, prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

When could sane be used to replace sage?

The meanings of sane and sage largely overlap; however, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When is sapient a more appropriate choice than sage?

In some situations, the words sapient and sage are roughly equivalent. However, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When might sensible be a better fit than sage?

While in some cases nearly identical to sage, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

In what contexts can wise take the place of sage?

The synonyms wise and sage are sometimes interchangeable, but wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

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 sage
Noun
Dark garnet color that has a ruby rim with intriguing notes of smoldering cigar and singed sage leaf with plenty of fruit left on the palate with flavors of cherries jubilee and medium weight to the body. —Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Use the shelves to hold towels, washcloths, and vases of sage or eucalyptus. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025 In shades of pink and purple, plus black, cream, and sage, Hunter’s Elana clog features a 1.75-inch heel height, shock-absorbing footbeds, and water-resistant rubbery upper for dewy mornings and drizzly dog walks. —Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2025 Available in four colors — purple, blue, sage, and ivory — this dress’ A-line silhouette and floor-skimming length give it a formal yet feminine look similar to the HGTV star’s style. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sage
  1. wise
  2. scholar
  3. prudent
Adjective
  • Word to the wise: the end credits are more like a Marvel movie as they are interrupted by a longish extra scene that includes a special cast member, blues legend Buddy Guy, plus yet another musical number at the end of credits.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Consulting with a financial advisor experienced in bear markets may also be wise.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of wise
Noun
  • Møller had an initial career as a literary scholar, then spent many years as a politician, and is now back to writing.
    — Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Wine scholars among us will recognize this as a mix of red and white grapes, with white allowed only in very small amounts.
    — Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of scholar
Adjective
  • Since sector performance generally rotates as the economy moves through different phases, broad sector exposure is a prudent hedge against unpredictable shifts in the market.
    — True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Magic Mountain crews had hoped to fix Superman: Escape from Krypton when the coaster closed for maintenance in September, but the necessary parts weren’t readily available and the most prudent option was to permanently close the ride, according to Harris.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of prudent

Browse Nearby Words

sagas
sage
sagely
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Cite this Entry

“Sage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sage. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sage

Nglish: Translation of sage for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sage

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