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
Adjective
In my opinion, in opposing warning labels, the gas industry and its trade association are weaponizing the First Amendment to undermine a commonsense regulation that aims to keep residents safe and informed. —Alan K. Chen, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025 DeSantis argued that Trump’s order actually encourages states to take commonsense steps to protect the public from the new technology. —Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2025
Noun
When there is this much money to be made, that possibility with always crush common sense, and makes the chance at a migraine, a broken bone or torn ACL worth the risk. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2026 As the Twin Cities reel from the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal immigration agents, the city's business community responded with a call for common sense and common ground. —Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
  1. logical
  2. prudence
  3. reasonable
  4. wisdom
  5. reasoned
  6. sense
  7. sensible
  8. horse sense
Adjective
  • Next logical step in electromobility The goal is to advance the use of high-voltage technologies in electric vehicles and define safety standards.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
  • However, Murdaugh’s attorneys have argued this motive did not make logical sense.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of logical
Noun
  • Over and over again, the owners opt for organizational stagnation and attempt to disguise it as prudence.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
  • The state police Troop H barracks are nearby but prudence suggested assigning a State Police trooper to the building would be best way to provide an immediate response to a problem.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026
Definition of prudence
Adjective
  • Under a reasonable definition of the SVOD market, Netflix’s market dominance is impossible to ignore.
    — Hal Singer, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Offer Choices, Within Limits Offering reasonable levels of freedom and allowing children to make choices is a great way to empower them, build confidence in their decision-making skills, and help build a sense of responsibility.
    — Alanna Gallo, Parents, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of reasonable
Noun
  • If affordability is today’s most pressing challenge, lawmakers must not confuse volume with wisdom, and instead confront the policies that continue to drive high costs and limit opportunity.
    — Carol Platt Liebau, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Just as Clinton Edgar Woods saw the wisdom of combining the advantages of gasoline and electric power, so today’s hybrids could serve as a bridge while battery technology and charging infrastructure continue to mature.
    — Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of wisdom
Adjective
  • 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
  • The ledger is the foundation of reasoned conclusion.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
Definition of reasoned
Noun
  • This piece leans into the jewelry aspect of watch-making, exuding a sense of opulence perfect for a night out.
    — John Monaco, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Although many modern artists have used collage to navigate and interpret the impersonal detritus of mass culture, Canty’s work, with its understated sense of place, is quite different.
    — Benjamin Lima Special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of sense
Adjective
  • The United States, of course, not the Cuban people, who may suffer another 66 years unless sensible commentators push back.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Judges could find the NCAA’s exclusion of players who signed NBA contracts sensible considering that college sports are typically played by degree-seeking students who ordinarily spend four or five years in school and then move on to another phase of life, usually a job or grad school.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of sensible
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
Definition of horse sense

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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 14 Feb. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of commonsense for Spanish Speakers

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