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
Tom Brady as sage minority investor has doomed Birmingham City far more effectively than Wayne Rooney’s temporary stint as idiot figurehead. —Gregg Evans, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025 Billionaire media sage John Malone, who has built and presided over a number of influential companies in telecom, cable, sports and digital, will publish his memoir in September. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025 Usher has some sage advice for performing at the Super Bowl. —EW.com, 4 Feb. 2025 Find some strategies to reclaim that time by taking heed of the following parenting tips from a sage pair of experts. —Outside Online, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sage
  1. wise
  2. scholar
  3. prudent
Adjective
  • The Camino is wise; its lessons come slowly, mile by mile, day by day.
    — Daniela Diaz, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Even if the snow continuously falls, removing it before more than four inches accumulates is wise, as large amounts of snow are significantly more difficult to remove.
    — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of wise
Noun
  • Legal scholars question what will happen to the Fed if the Supreme Court says independent agencies are unconstitutional.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The Department Of Education Is Already Being Dismantled, Impacting Student Loan Operations Most legal scholars agree that Trump cannot simply eliminate the Department of Education through executive action.
    — Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of scholar
Adjective
  • Retirees don’t have as much time to recover their losses, so accumulating precious metals like gold and silver can be a prudent move.
    — Marc Guberti, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Indeed, its tonal balance feels of a piece with the playwright’s personality—erudition and prudent attention to identity and representation leavened with irreverent nods to his throat chakra, The Artist’s Way, and teen soaps on The WB.
    — Marley Marius, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of prudent

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Cite this Entry

“Sage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sage. Accessed 12 Mar. 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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