sage 1 of 2

Definition of sagenext

sage

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sage distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sage are judicious, prudent, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When can judicious be used instead of sage?

The words judicious and sage can be used in similar contexts, but judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

When would prudent be a good substitute for sage?

Although the words prudent and sage have much in common, prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

When could sane be used to replace sage?

The meanings of sane and sage largely overlap; however, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When is sapient a more appropriate choice than sage?

In some situations, the words sapient and sage are roughly equivalent. However, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When might sensible be a better fit than sage?

While in some cases nearly identical to sage, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

In what contexts can wise take the place of sage?

The synonyms wise and sage are sometimes interchangeable, but wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

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 sage
Noun
This time, prudence with such planning would be sage. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026 Rather than keeping garlic near sage, grow it near other alliums like onions, or plant it near brassica crops to repel common pests, such as cabbage loopers, aphids, and spider mites. Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 10 May 2026 Herb Simple Syrup In a blender combine water, parsley leaves, sage leaves, rosemary leaves, and thyme leaves. Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2026 Keep the colorful momentum going by pairing yours with Ossou’s butter-yellow tee and Jil Sander’s sage green shell jacket. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sage
Adjective
  • Virgos are patient, kind, and wise like Sundown.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • The two candidates who advance to the general election would be wise to offer Californians a hope for the future that doesn’t call back to our yesterdays.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Thomas’s account of Progressivism as a malign force threatening individual liberty echoes an argument developed by scholars at the conservative Claremont Institute.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
  • The book begins as a British scholar named Jeremy Pordage is being chauffeured north along the California coast from Los Angeles to stay with Stoyte.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
Adjective
  • Still, Barnard predicts many European leaders would likely remain prudent given the current turmoil in Westminster.
    Tiago Ventura, Time, 18 May 2026
  • What feels like prudent focus often becomes dangerous overconfidence.
    Thierry Brunel, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sage. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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