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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 The boy’s father, Darnell Wolfe, and neighbors and loved ones in 2021 described him to the Daily News as a bright and tech-savvy child, wise beyond his years. Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2025 And yet, those who have spent time with the shortstop describe a 19-year-old who is wise beyond his years. Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2025 Such a pardon will not be overlooked by wise minds or keen insight, as our noble state, with its sophisticated approach, allows for the safe return of any misled or deceived individual to their homeland, to live with dignity and honor among their family and community. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025 Word to the wise: If conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali is on the podium, don’t leave during intermission. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
Adjective
  • Retirees don’t have as much time to recover their losses, so accumulating precious metals like gold and silver can be a prudent move.
    Marc Guberti, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Indeed, its tonal balance feels of a piece with the playwright’s personality—erudition and prudent attention to identity and representation leavened with irreverent nods to his throat chakra, The Artist’s Way, and teen soaps on The WB.
    Marley Marius, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Follow these tips from Pierce and Owen to keep foxes at a safe distance: Be aware that foxes are part of the landscape.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2025
  • While most individuals are obviously aware of cyber attacks and their consequences, consistent preparation, and resilience-building are the keys to long-term success.
    James Hadley, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The idea that tax regimes in certain markets make teams more or less desirable to players was raised more than once.
    James Mirtle, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • He isn’t expected to be at training camp with Los Angeles but rather a different team when a desirable trade package is presented.
    Scott Thompson, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Pair the bottoms with a cute bodysuit or match the top with skirts or shorts, and you're left with multiple outfits in one.
    Jennifer Vermeer, Travel + Leisure, 24 Feb. 2025
  • And the town of Brenham is filled with cute boutiques and restaurants.
    Cynthia Drake, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • What began as a frustration with fashion’s one-size-fits-all approach evolved into a bold venture that challenged the norms of an industry saturated with sameness.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • And Timothée Chalamet, nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Bob Dylan, made a splash, showing up in a bold pale yellow Givenchy suit, adorned with gold jewelry.
    Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That's brilliantly insightful, because most mathematics is developed in a vacuum.
    Jake Kring-Schreifels, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
  • In fact, people of African origin have the greatest genetic diversity amongst all groups of people, making results from investigating the cancer biology in Black American patients immensely biologically insightful.
    Angelique Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Might the oversized love throw pillow be a knowing wink to the Cirque du Soleil show of the same name?
    Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The receptionist watches her leave with a knowing look — there is more to come here.
    Christina Grace Tucker, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • My family lay square in the crosshairs of tactical regions at play in Benito Mussolini’s alliance with Adolf Hitler, who sent German soldiers to occupy much of Italy in the opening months of the war.
    Jackie Charniga, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Blitzer, the chairman of Blackstone’s tactical opportunities group, is the only person Sportico is aware of who has investments in all five major U.S. sports leagues.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 25 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wise

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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