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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 many families, including mine, the highlight of a holiday meal (food-wise, that is) is its sides. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025 That wise woman turns out to be Claire (Kate Hudson), who soon becomes Mike’s second wife and first (and only) performing partner. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2025 Even when the Hornets are at full strength health-wise, which won’t be totally the case until Josh Green and Grant Williams return from their respective rehabilitations, the expectation is for Lee to determine who’s going to start based on a big emphasis of matchups. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025 She is set to portray a wise woman whom Hilary (Coco Jones) meets, and who becomes instrumental to the Banks family. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
Adjective
  • This aligns with research showing that rural social identity predicts skepticism of external experts, illustrating a rural orientation toward prudent distrust.
    Scott R. Schell, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • That said, Gordon believes the sale announced by Tucker, who was promoted from Jack in the Box chief financial officer to CEO on March 31, is a prudent one.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This story retains a hold on people to a degree that most are likely scarcely aware of.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • But lucid dreaming involves metacognition, which is a type of cognitive control in which someone becomes aware of their own thoughts.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The network’s newest house hunting series, the 12-episode World’s Bargain Dream Homes (wt) from Twenty Twenty Television, will follow people brave enough to purchase the world’s most affordable properties that also happen to be stunning, turnkey and in desirable locations around the globe.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Crafted out of recyclable and renewable materials, they’re boosted with a Cloudfoam Comfort sockliner, flaunt a suede upper that taps into one of fall 2025’s most desirable materials, and have attractive perforations as part of the design.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Mankinlu Maple Leaf Solar Pathway Lights As daylight starts to fade earlier, these cute pathway lights add both charm and function to your yard.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The easiest fix for the age-old struggle between cute and comfy?
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Add to this Senne Lammens, who has brought calm to a previously chaotic goalkeeping situation, and INEOS’ bold approach to the summer window is starting to pay off.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
  • From there, Anderson grounded the bold hosiery with understated brown leather pumps.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Funny, empowering and insightful?
    Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
  • This multi-day gathering invites spiritual leaders, renowned scholars and creative thinkers from around the world to engage in a thoughtful and insightful dialogue on pressing social issues.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The effect is to infuse the story with an undeniable and knowing nostalgia; how quaint, at Alma’s party, to find everyone debating matters of representational consequence.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Then because the slow exposure times of the wet-plate process required everyone to stand stock-still for a second or so, each of his subjects became a knowing collaborator.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo formed a fluid front three that caused a tactical headache.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Johnson reportedly regained control of the vehicle and attempted to flee again, but police executed a ramming technique, known as a tactical vehicle intervention, to disable the vehicle, the release says.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wise

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