commonsense 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of commonsensenext
as in logical
based on sound reasoning or information the commonsense interpretation of this so-called mysterious sighting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

common sense

2 of 2

noun

as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters common sense should tell you not to meet face-to-face with someone who is just an online acquaintance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun common sense contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of common sense are judgment, sense, and wisdom. While all these words mean "ability to reach intelligent conclusions," common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

Where would judgment be a reasonable alternative to common sense?

While the synonyms judgment and common sense are close in meaning, judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

When would sense be a good substitute for common sense?

The synonyms sense and common sense are sometimes interchangeable, but sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence.

a choice showing good sense

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

The words wisdom and common sense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average.

a leader of rare wisdom

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 commonsense
Noun
At some point in the late 2020s or early 2030s, common sense will prevail. —Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 23 May 2025 Jackson disregarded sound economic reasoning, common sense, and the entreaties of Bank supporters and vetoed the recharter bill. —Time, 23 May 2025 Together, these factors — except, of course, the driving record — create a confusing and unfair ratemaking process that lacks not only transparency but common sense. —Alexi Giannoulias, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025 The Supreme Court’s succinct order is a victory for the rule of law, separation of powers, and common sense. —The Editors, National Review, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for commonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonsense
  1. logical
  2. prudence
  3. reasonable
  4. wisdom
  5. sense
  6. sensible
  7. horse sense
  8. rational
Adjective
  • But there’s little logical argument for keeping him on.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 7 June 2025
  • This is a logical form of thinking in the sense that AGI as an intellectual mechanism would be unable to compete in jobs that involve hands-on work.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of logical
Noun
  • But, as stated above with any Kevin Durant possibilities, pick prudence certainly does have to be part of any Heat transaction machinations going forward.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2025
  • Nonprofit plans, by contrast, often operate under strict reserve requirements, regulatory constraints and cultural norms that prioritize prudence over growth.
    — Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
Definition of prudence
Adjective
  • Under coach Manolo González, Espanyol has just placed a reasonable 14th in La Liga.
    — Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Like when Jesse makes the perfectly reasonable decision not to mount a doomed attempt to save a cultist when they're outnumbered by WLF members.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
Definition of reasonable
Noun
  • Many family members and friends have offered nuggets of wisdom to my son during his graduation.
    — Nicole Russell, USA Today, 6 June 2025
  • In a profile for Vulture published Monday, June 2, the 38-year-old Sinners actor — who previously starred in 2021's A Journal for Jordan, directed by Washington — opened up about the wisdom the two-time Oscar winner, 70, shared with him about overexposure in the age of social media.
    — Jen Juneau, People.com, 3 June 2025
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • While questions over mentality will be assessed, players’ physical levels showed a marked improvement, offering a sense of vindication for the coaching staff.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Fears that the Wrigley video board would overwhelm the senses and make the center field scoreboard seem obsolete have mostly been allayed over the last decade.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Definition of sense
Adjective
  • That never was a sensible move for fiscal and other reasons.
    — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 3 June 2025
  • If only Larry Hogan had been prescient enough to choose a successor who would have continued his sensible moderate policies under eight more years of Republican rule.
    — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2025
Definition of sensible
Noun
  • Our people have a horse sense for what good work is.
    — Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024
  • His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
    — Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024
Definition of horse sense
Adjective
  • And, of course, doing all these things in the presence of clients just shows a complete lack of rational thought.
    — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 29 May 2025
  • This is a state where each person settles on a strategy that feels rational given everyone else’s, even if the group as a whole is stuck in mediocrity.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of rational

Browse Nearby Words

common schools
commonsense
common sense
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonsense. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on commonsense

Nglish: Translation of commonsense for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'Bring' vs. 'Take'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

10 Hella Good U.S. Regionalisms

Some Data About 'Datum'

The Clinical History of 'Moron,' 'Idiot,' and 'Imbecile'
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All