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
The insistence on common sense in America, with its echo in Donald Trump’s rhetoric, had a peculiar moral dimension, almost as if the cultural health and vigor of this society depended on its not succumbing to the decadence of the Old World. —Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025 For safety reasons, common sense would lend itself to wearing a helmet. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 15 May 2025 Introduction Sometimes the most important estate planning steps are simple, little or no-cost, common sense things that are just overlooked. —Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 Burruss and others argue the new rules also are simple common sense. —Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 7 May 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
  • Even with Bailey singing her lovestruck heart out, Rob Marshall's redo doesn't make the same refreshing splash as the 1989 animated classic but gets points for trying with a more logical narrative.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Therefore, the logical starting point might be to first to prop this thing at least back up to respectability.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025
Definition of logical
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of prudence
Adjective
  • Under coach Manolo González, Espanyol has just placed a reasonable 14th in La Liga.
    — Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Like when Jesse makes the perfectly reasonable decision not to mount a doomed attempt to save a cultist when they're outnumbered by WLF members.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
Definition of reasonable
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the voters’ wisdom in trying to check pension costs has been repeatedly confirmed.
    — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • Still, Stuy pitches adoptees on the wisdom of testing.
    — Barbara Demick, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • The Personal Brand Is the Leadership Brand Demis Hassabis — cofounder and CEO of Google DeepMind — isn’t a personal brand in the conventional sense.
    — Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • June's sometime lover Nick (Max Minghella) was among the casualties, a man who could never commit to any side of the cause finally fell victim to his own sense of survivalism.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 28 May 2025
Definition of sense
Adjective
  • The cars are an entry point for new buyers into the Porsche brand, cheaper than 911s and less powerful, but also just as well-made, and, for many, the most sensible Porsche one can buy brand new.
    — Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 22 May 2025
  • The wilderness is not unkind to those who understand it and take sensible precautions.
    — Ted Updike, Outdoor Life, 22 May 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
  • And, of course, doing all these things in the presence of clients just shows a complete lack of rational thought.
    — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 29 May 2025
  • This is a state where each person settles on a strategy that feels rational given everyone else’s, even if the group as a whole is stuck in mediocrity.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 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 5 Jun. 2025.

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