commonsense 1 of 2

Definition of commonsensenext

common sense

2 of 2

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
Adjective
And so, the commonsense Democrats have to come to the table, figure out a solution to, again, let these lines flow. ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026 Recently passed by the Senate Agriculture Committee with broad bipartisan support, our bill’s momentum is a testament to its commonsense design. Sen. Alex Padilla, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
The target of our petty president’s latest bashing is Pope Leo XIV, the first American leader of the Catholic Church, who seems to be a guy with Midwestern common sense. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 In an era when corporate policy often overrides common sense, this water park chose to understand the situation before reacting. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Berman and Kessler argue this is a logical and organic pivot for MMRs.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • However, a resignation or even a leave of absence now looks like a logical outcome.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That prudence by supporters of the center, including County Commissioner Raquel Regalado and Judge Steve Leifman, is now being used against them to keep the center in limbo.
    Jim DeFede, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • By all accounts, being a milquetoast is a sort of vice—cowardice masquerading as prudence.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With a reasonable chance that both sides win all their remaining games, the size of each victory matters.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Although executors may be paid reasonable compensation—often up to 5% of the estate’s value—you aren’t required to accept the role.
    Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Seniors are always learning new skills and sharing them along with their wisdom.
    Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
  • This taps the wisdom of the group, and an elevated sense of shared purpose is realized.
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • That’s not to say the decisions were easy and lacked a sense of foreboding.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • February 19 – March 20 Small choices today create a sense of ease that lasts.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Some of it is the sensible human desire to spend retirement somewhere a snow shovel is not considered essential equipment.
    Larry Clifton, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
  • These were sensible design choices for that era.
    Bob Diamond, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Anheuser-Busch will have to see how viewers react to its latest ad to determine if consumers think the Clydesdales still present good horse sense or represent a horse of a different color.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Our people have a horse sense for what good work is.
    Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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