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
Which is why, Calvert says, California must join other states and enact commonsense voter ID and citizenship requirements that can attract bipartisan support. —Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026 Double jeopardy by any commonsense definition. —CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
There is a lot of rigmarole there that is conveniently hidden when positing this as a common sense thing. —Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026 And an underdog who stayed in the contest in defiance of steep odds and, seemingly, common sense. —Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 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
  • This means a single physical qubit can contribute to multiple logical qubits, significantly improving overall efficiency and reducing hardware demands.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
  • If that scenario sounds familiar, a greenhouse might be your next logical move.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of logical
Noun
  • The two big investments in their front seven — particularly Phillips’ whopping four-year, $120 million deal — also meant the Panthers would have to exercise financial prudence with their other additions, at least one of which was a head-scratcher.
    — Joseph Person, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • This is not the time for fiscal prudence for the Sharks.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026
Definition of prudence
Adjective
  • In 2012, 73 percent of Coloradans approved Amendment 65, which instructs our legislature and congressional delegation to support a federal constitutional amendment allowing reasonable limits on campaign spending.
    — DP Opinion, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Afterward, in his hallway scrum with mostly local reporters, Auriemma settled down and was more himself, more reasonable.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of reasonable
Noun
  • That portrayal carries real wisdom.
    — Jonathan Hunt-Glassman, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Today, Moratin said his approach stems from the wisdom of Desmond Tutu, the South African bishop who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his activism against apartheid.
    — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 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
  • Often, this is a useful guideline, and limits, in general, are very much the friend of the fiction writer, but there are certain stories that benefit from a sense of instability.
    — Nina Mesfin, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The vibe is certainly formal, but in the stylish sense of the word—don’t be afraid to make conversation with the friendly concierge or front desk staff.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
Definition of sense
Adjective
  • Big horizons meet daily realities as the instinctive Moon explores your pensive 9th house and squares Jupiter in your sensible 6th house.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Scientifically speaking, the most sensible thing is to conduct further research to investigate the extent to which a factor such as gender influences efficacy and whether there may be other influencing factors.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 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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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 6 Apr. 2026.

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