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

Relevance

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
Shoss’s research backs up this commonsense view. —Claire Zillman, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 These discussions are grounded in the commonsense idea that those who actually experienced and lived through the foster care system are best positioned to find solutions. —Scott Turner, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
Science already confirms what common sense and biology have long indicated, that human life begins at conception. —Kimberly Bird, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026 A lot had changed since; to many younger people, including Glick’s students, the men’s once radical ideas were common sense. —Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 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
  • Intelligence cannot be reduced to analytical logic alone because intelligence itself is not singularly logical.
    — Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
  • As befits a logical proof, Gödel’s argumentation was very abstract and high-level.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 26 May 2026
Definition of logical
Noun
  • This time, prudence with such planning would be sage.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026
  • 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
Definition of prudence
Adjective
  • Allow reasonable discipline in school.
    — Matthew Stolle, Twin Cities, 23 May 2026
  • If reasonable, open windows and turn off air conditioning at night to let cooler air in, then shut the windows and shades in the morning to trap the cool air inside, Trane recommends.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 23 May 2026
Definition of reasonable
Noun
  • Two questions about the wisdom of mandatory minimum sentences — a very contentious topic in legal circles — yielded only brief responses.
    — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
  • Research by Gao, Niu, and Yu published in Frontiers in Psychology found that intellectual humility in leadership cultivates team environments rooted in trust and collaboration, where leaders lean on collective wisdom rather than individual authority.
    — Mary Hemphill, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Definition of wisdom
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
Definition of reasoned
Noun
  • Her nonchalant reaction makes sense considering the Timberwolves scored 37 runs in their last three regular season games and 32 runs in their three playoff games entering Saturday.
    — Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 24 May 2026
  • And co-op teams among large schools can still form, too, in a technical sense, Manning said.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Definition of sense
Adjective
  • In the end, there was an acceptance that sticking rather than twisting was the most sensible option.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Both offer sensible and balanced judicial philosophies.
    — The Editorial Board, Daily News, 28 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

common schools
commonsense
common sense
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on commonsense

Nglish: Translation of commonsense for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of unctuous

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

On ‘Suffice It to Say’

Regarding the Incorrect Use of 'Decimate'

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Strange Words for Body Functions

Where does 'curiosity killed the cat' come from?

What to Call the Inept, Incompetent, and Inferior

The Words of the Week - May 29
See More

Popular

See More

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Strange Words for Body Functions
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
mailbox-with-lots-of-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All