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Synonym Chooser

How is the word wise distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of wise are judicious, prudent, sage, sane, sapient, and sensible. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

Where would judicious be a reasonable alternative to wise?

In some situations, the words judicious and wise 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 can prudent be used instead of wise?

The synonyms prudent and wise are sometimes interchangeable, but prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

When is sage a more appropriate choice than wise?

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

the sage advice of my father

When is it sensible to use sane instead of wise?

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

remained sane even in times of crises

In what contexts can sapient take the place of wise?

The words sapient and wise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When could sensible be used to replace wise?

The words sensible and wise can be used in similar contexts, but sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

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 wise Lithgow plays Albus Dumbledore, the wise Hogwarts headmaster and founder of the Order of the Phoenix. EW.com, 27 May 2025 Ramsey is a talented actor, but the task of carrying the show by portraying a recognizable teen on a complicated existential journey in the middle of a life-or-death adventure tale is a formidable one, especially without the benefit of an older, wiser guide/co-star. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025 The one that was pretty impactful for me at Cannes, at least life trajectory wise, probably more impactful than all of those other films, came in 2012. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025 Many studies consider the incremental dollars spent on Medicaid by blue states to be a wise investment. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for wise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
Adjective
  • Heat’s Udonis Haslem says amid Kevin Durant speculation: ‘The situation in Miami will work’ ASK IRA: Is a Heat waiting game with Herro, Jovic extensions the prudent approach?
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2025
  • To understand their risk, prudent CISOs will try to find confidential data before their users unknowingly break the system.
    Chris Stegh, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Constance was aware of others around them observing the scene.
    Jim Shepard, New Yorker, 8 June 2025
  • Fatal attack The Pentagon is painfully aware of the threat.
    Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • The idea of multi-story homes with small footprints is a more desirable approach to density for some people than apartments.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025
  • What's Going On?' This real estate, right next door to Paramount Studios, wasn’t always so desirable.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Plus, a slight slit in the legs adds a cute and playful touch.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 13 June 2025
  • Related Articles Miss Manners: Another mother chided me for group-texting a cute photo.
    Eric Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Now retired, Nouveau Chapeau is helping Charis get back to bolder colors and patterns.
    Emiene Wright, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025
  • The pitch promises a bold new voice in European adult animation.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • These statements sound insightful, as if someone is doing deep emotional work.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • While the principles may be familiar to readers, the book’s goal is to offer new and insightful ways of applying these age-old wisdoms.
    Emily Burns, Footwear News, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • When the emails eventually came out, it was revealed that Donald Trump Jr. was a knowing and enthusiastic participant.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Hooded eyes, a linear slash for a mouth, a square jaw, a tousle of hair — the startling frugality of lines that bring the dying sitter to full life embodies the knowing depth of the couple’s relationship.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Guardiola's squad still boasts depth, but the tactical shift post-De Bruyne will be closely watched.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
  • For those looking to create lasting impressions with friends or family, printing a photo on a tactical object, such as a canvas print or metal print, helps the gift last a lifetime.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wise

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