wise

adjective

ˈwīz How to pronounce wise (audio)
Definition of wisenext
1
as in prudent
having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge a respected and wise old judge famous for her sensible rulings

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in aware
having inside information they fooled everyone else, but I'd heard them talking and was wise to their true intentions

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in desirable
suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances selling the stock just before it plunged in value was a wise move on your part

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4
as in cute
making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred you wouldn't be so wise if you were the one suffering from hemorrhoids

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in bold
displaying or marked by rude boldness she is competent, but she's always getting wise with the boss

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 wise For if leaders must be thoughtful to be wise – and thus open the road to results – then voters should seek those who listen and learn so as to be able to know just what to do and when. —John Nemec, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025 Mid-soul-searching, a wise friend suggested something. —Jed Brewer, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2025 Some are even considering locking up their assets in various types of irrevocable trusts in advanced estate planning transactions without knowing what their exemption amount will be, which candidly is the current wise advice amongst the private wealth planning community. —Darren T. Case, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Getting struck by lightning might not sound like a very wise idea to us, but for one tropical tree species, an occasional zap is a good thing. —Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
  1. prudent
  2. aware
  3. desirable
  4. cute
  5. bold
  6. insightful
  7. knowing
  8. tactical
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
Adjective
  • Gong and his family members are aware of the filmmakers, even mention the filming, yet remain largely unselfconscious in front of the cameras.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Our brains are aware of inconsistencies in the imagery at a detailed level, even if the exact nature of these inconsistencies eludes our conscious perception.
    — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of aware
Adjective
  • Teamwork, socialization, and other types of in-person connection are what workers cite as the most desirable aspects of choosing an office over working from home.
    — Ryan Anderson, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Located just west of K-7 Highway and south of College Boulevard, Prairie Canyon is set in one of the most desirable locations, blending scenic beauty with easy access to local amenities.
    — Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of desirable
Adjective
  • His grousing is interrupted by some very cute uncle moments with Maria and Tommy’s son, Benji, then Joel takes off just as Tommy gets back.
    — Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Snake Bird Vintage has a fantastic array of clothing and accessories in a cute repurposed garage.
    — Kara Franker, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of cute
Adjective
  • Also, the Fed must be free to move quickly to deploy bold strategies, such as its bond-buying campaign during the 2008 financial crisis and emergency lending measures during the COVID-19 recession of 2020, Conti-Brown said.
    — Paul Davidson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • From bold predictions about who's walking out with championship gold to sit-downs with WWE superstars on the verge of history, this preshow is serving as your all-access pass into the chaos, glory, and drama that makes WrestleMania the biggest spectacle in sports entertainment.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of bold
Adjective
  • Thank you as always for the insightful questions, everyone.
    — Murat Ates, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The Essential Takeaways This insightful research study provided two eye-opening outcomes.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of insightful
Adjective
  • The knowing sense that, for whatever reason, this is a place where you’re meant to be.
    — Berit Thorkelson, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025
  • At the end of the film, after the town has been destroyed, Death, riding upon the biblical pale horse, passes in front of Hal and his son Petey (Colin O’Brien), giving a knowing, exhausted nod.
    — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of knowing
Adjective
  • While others juggled safety cars, strategy gambles, and crumbling tyre sets, the 24-year-old turned tactical advantage into a masterclass.
    — Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Victor Osimhen has been highlighted as the ideal tactical fit for United thanks to his ability to do what Ruben Amorim’s side have particularly struggled at: putting the ball in the back of the net.
    — Ali Rampling, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of tactical

Phrases Containing wise

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wisdoms
wise
wiseacre
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Cite this Entry

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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