common sense
noun
: sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts
So far, I've had the common sense not to tweet anything ghastly.—
James Poniewozik
James PoniewozikThe poker players learns that sometimes both science and common sense are wrong. There is such a thing as absolute premonition of cards, a rock bottom surety of what will happen next.—David Mamet
David MametWith tsunamis, it may seem only common sense to Earth scientists to run away from (and not toward) the water when the sea is drawn rapidly down and away from the beach as a tsunami approaches. But that response is counterintuitive for most people.—Thomas C. Pierson
Thomas C. Pierson
Synonyms
Examples of common sense in a Sentence
You really should go to see a doctor if your leg hurts that much. It's just common sense!
Obey the laws and use common sense when operating your boat.
She's very smart but she doesn't have a lot of common sense.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nix has to flirt with danger while remaining full of common sense.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024
Our campaign stood on principles — that were fueled by the values of common sense, compassion and consensus.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 5 Nov. 2024
Still, a little common sense will separate the genuine articles from the disingenuous.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Even with this common sense stowed away somewhere in our brains, gracious hosts can't help but want everything to be as close to perfect as possible for their guests (yes, even in the rooms no one will enter).
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for common sense 
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.
Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024
Our campaign stood on principles — that were fueled by the values of common sense, compassion and consensus.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 5 Nov. 2024
Still, a little common sense will separate the genuine articles from the disingenuous.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Even with this common sense stowed away somewhere in our brains, gracious hosts can't help but want everything to be as close to perfect as possible for their guests (yes, even in the rooms no one will enter).
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for common sense
Dictionary Entries Near common sense
Cite this Entry
“Common sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20sense. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share