sane

adjective

ˈsān How to pronounce sane (audio)
Definition of sanenext
as in stable
having full use of one's mind and control over one's actions the court ruled that the woman was indeed sane when she made out her will

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sane distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sane are judicious, prudent, sage, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When might judicious be a better fit than sane?

In some situations, the words judicious and sane are roughly equivalent. However, judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

When is prudent a more appropriate choice than sane?

While the synonyms prudent and sane are close in meaning, prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

In what contexts can sage take the place of sane?

While in some cases nearly identical to sane, sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When is it sensible to use sapient instead of sane?

Although the words sapient and sane have much in common, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When could sensible be used to replace sane?

The meanings of sensible and sane largely overlap; however, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

Where would wise be a reasonable alternative to sane?

The synonyms wise and sane 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 sane The picture is about how to not make government service and political office something any sane person would flee from. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025 No sane person reading this complaint could credit this story. —Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 1 Apr. 2025 Intercultural triangulation—balancing and managing the cultural forces one has been exposed to—helps leaders stay credible and sane. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 But Congress should also be thinking about how to build a saner and more productive system of higher education for the future — one that could provide benefits for generations to come. —Editorial, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
  1. stable
  2. normal
  3. lucid
  4. rational
  5. reasonable
  6. balanced
  7. healthy
  8. sensible
Adjective
  • Switzerland’s neutral politics, stable economy, strong currency and reliable legal system are all a draw.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The unpredictability makes the U.S. seem less stable, less reliable, and a less safe place for their money, experts say.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of stable
Adjective
  • Seeing the color Olo needed specific stimulation to push the vision beyond its normal limits.
    — Terry Collins, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Such intimidation may be normal in Putin's Russia, not in the civilized world!
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of normal
Adjective
  • In other words, could the question at the outset of the novel be applied today to the United States—a bastion of democratic strength being ripped apart by an erratic tyrant? Years ago, in one of his lucid columns, Vargas Llosa described the election of Donald Trump as a form of national suicide.
    — Ilan Stavans, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
  • For a woman who had made a reputation as a lucid, sharp chronicler of the reality of American lives, Didion struggled with the irrational thoughts that flooded her mind afterward.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of lucid
Adjective
  • The economic idea that people are purely rational, self-serving beings has been undermined by broad research over decades into psychology and behavioral economics.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Listening to constituents, stakeholders, and community input to make our voices heard at the Council while balancing competing interests of other council members to bring rational discussion and mutual understanding to move ALL of Fort Worth Forward.
    — Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Multi: Multi-ground (MG) cleats are designed to achieve reasonable levels of traction, grip and control on as many types of ground as possible.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Read has pleaded not guilty, denied killing O'Keefe and alleged she is being framed, attempting to sow reasonable doubt in prosecutors' claims and asserting that someone else killed O'Keefe and had ties to and influence over the investigation.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • For a more balanced strategy, the Trefis High Quality portfolio has delivered strong results, returning over 91% since launch—outpacing broader benchmarks.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Lots of people love Global knives are beloved by many for their middle of the road price and balanced, lightweight feel.
    — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of balanced
Adjective
  • The Seeding Square is a sturdy plastic template that helps properly space seeds and seedlings for healthy plants and bountiful harvests.
    — Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2025
  • As a reliever who started the season healthy, Minter might not need that much time to build up.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of healthy
Adjective
  • Spectators got wind of the sensible footwear concealed by the Fiesta finery and began demanding to see the shoes.
    — Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Contrast this look with that of Timothée Chalamet, who took in the festival in a sensible ensemble of loose clothing, a backpack, hat and sunglasses.
    — Catherine Santino, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of sensible

Browse Nearby Words

sandy
sane
saneness
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Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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