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common sense

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noun

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
This pace defies common sense and is unconscionable. Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 3 July 2025 Some are boycotting their southern neighbor, but for others, avoiding it is just a matter of common sense. Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025 The 6–3 opinion by Justice Samuel Alito is yet another of the fruits of the Court’s conservative majority, its fidelity to the Constitution, and its fundamental common sense. The Editors, National Review, 28 June 2025 The Trump administration is committed to restoring common sense to our student visa system; no lawsuit, this or any other, is going to change that. Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • As a member of the Don Callis Family, winning the TNT Title is a logical next step.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • There is no logical reason why you should not be entitled to retroactive benefit payments.
    Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Lopez also has an ambitious and uninhibited way of speaking that is far removed from the prudence of players from older generations.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 4 July 2025
  • While this action may convince some that China is a paper tiger, for others, especially Iran’s Arab rivals, it is seen as a sign of prudence.
    Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Isolated locations could face a reasonable worst-case scenario of five to seven inches or more, according to the weather service.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • There were a few reasonable opinion drafts, a couple of speeches with a Q&A transcribed, and one very excellent and complete essay on civil rights.
    Ezra Fox July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • In over-the-top Cancun fashion, the property boasts a 40,000-square-foot spa, though its deep grounding in the traditional treatments and ancient wisdom of the region gives it purpose and peace.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
  • As a father, Jonathan seeks to guide his son in the best possible ways, providing wisdom, humor and support whenever needed.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • These questions are helping businesses turn everyday items into brand moments and, in some cases, into movements created through commonality and a sense of community. 5.
    Douglas Gregory, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Ninety-eight games are enough to get a sense of where the A’s stand heading into the All-Star break.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • But thanks to sensible regulations and a strong potential upside, its industry is starting to light up, and Forbes has created a guide to navigating the cannabis laws across the EU and the United Kingdom.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Taking Shoaib Bashir out of the firing line seems sensible, too.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 8 July 2025
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
Adjective
  • Eventually, this bargain approach is vindicated by returns as rational pricing returns to markets.
    James Berman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • No rational business is going to make long-term investments in American manufacturing based on such transient policies.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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