Definition of wisdomnext
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as in science
a body of facts learned by study or experience the orientation meetings will provide the company's old hands with an opportunity to pass on their wisdom to the new employees

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun wisdom contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wisdom are common sense, judgment, and sense. While all these words mean "ability to reach intelligent conclusions," wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average.

a leader of rare wisdom

In what contexts can common sense take the place of wisdom?

The words common sense and wisdom are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

When is it sensible to use judgment instead of wisdom?

In some situations, the words judgment and wisdom are roughly equivalent. However, judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

When might sense be a better fit than wisdom?

Although the words sense and wisdom have much in common, sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence.

a choice showing good sense

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 wisdom But if worthiness is measured by the courage to lead, the humility to listen, the wisdom to hold complexity and the sacred responsibility of walking with people through joy, loss and transformation, then women’s rabbinic leadership has already outgrown the narrow metrics of any centralized system. Rabba Sara Hurwitz, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026 First described over a century ago, the wisdom of crowds refers to the idea that the median judgment of a large, diverse group of people operating independently is often more accurate than that of a single expert. Parker Bach, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026 The wisdom of the daffodil is to recognize that there is something remarkable in submitting to destruction. Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 Boards are stocked with people with tremendous business experience, wisdom, and insight; nevertheless, many CEOs feel at sea. David Garfield, Harvard Business Review, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wisdom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wisdom
Noun
  • More smart scales are now including a handlebar to provide detailed insights into fat and muscle distribution across different parts of the body.
    Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Business leaders look everywhere for inspiration, from eyeing their peers’ successes to tapping industry vets for insight.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Great science-fiction writers, almost by definition, are masters of cognitive estrangement.
    Stephanie Burt, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The science is real, even if the specific combination still awaits a large-scale trial.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
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
Noun
  • The fruit’s desirability explains why the plant has spread across continents.
    Andrés Muedano, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The Bride not looking like a monster and retaining her desirability after reanimation is common, but only sometimes interrogated.
    Rory Doherty, Time, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Artemis, by contrast, aims to establish a base near the lunar south pole, building knowledge and skills that will help humanity make the next giant leap — to Mars.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Shaban’s version of events attempted to convince members of the committee that their knowledge of the rudimentary elements of our criminal justice system is wrong.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
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
Noun
  • In both countries, investment outcomes depend heavily on national conditions, including the strength of capital markets, workforce, infrastructure, and the judiciousness of laws and regulations.
    SADEK WAHBA, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Exceptionally well-written with equal parts spice, vinegar, wicked wit, and wonder how Charlie and Emma can possibly survive this unexpected turn in their lives after one simple question and one complicated answer threatens to blow everything up.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The level of stress the game conjures rivals that of the new Resident Evil installment, in which a young woman armed with only her wits and a pistol faces down ravenous monsters.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wisdom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wisdom. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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