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common sense

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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
Noun
A lot of it's just common sense stuff that causes a lot the problems. Peter D'abrosca , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2025 Maralyn, in Elmhirst’s telling, was almost certainly more responsible than Maurice for the couple’s ultimate triumph over nature and common sense. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 9 July 2025 This is a clear violation of federal law and common sense. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025 This is a big win for common sense and good on DHS for finally seeing the light! Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
Adjective
  • Big consulting players like Bain & Company use online assessments to evaluate a candidate’s situational awareness, numerical and verbal aptitude, and logical reasoning before a technical interview is even scheduled.
    Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Cutting ties with him doesn't seem logical at the moment.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • However, obstacles, chief among them the Kings’ apparent commitment to patience and prudence, abound.
    Sam Amick, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
  • This approach balances fiscal prudence with the need for meaningful oversight.
    Dick Simpson, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Isolated locations could face a reasonable worst-case scenario of five to seven inches or more, according to the weather service.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • There were a few reasonable opinion drafts, a couple of speeches with a Q&A transcribed, and one very excellent and complete essay on civil rights.
    Ezra Fox July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • There are many great cocktail books out there, penned by incredibly talented bartenders who are more than willing to share their wisdom.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2025
  • People listen more attentively to the vice president than the assistant, regardless of their wisdom.
    Gamze Acar Bayraktaroglu, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Does this album feel different from other projects after achieving that sense of liberation?
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
  • These questions are helping businesses turn everyday items into brand moments and, in some cases, into movements created through commonality and a sense of community. 5.
    Douglas Gregory, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Hunting Wives consistently prioritizes steamy scenes over sensible plotting or nuanced characters, juicy twists over deep emotions or big ideas.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2025
  • But the different branches have been largely united over President Donald Trump’s accomplishments such as a stronger economy, a more efficient government and a more sensible approach to foreign affairs.
    Nicole Russell, USA Today, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • Our people have a horse sense for what good work is.
    Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024
  • His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
    Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024
Adjective
  • Tubi and a planned Fox One are rational entries in streaming.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 28 July 2025
  • His team took a rational approach to update requirements that were the same for a single-family property versus a quad plex that took up the same physical footprint but had much different needs.
    Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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