Synonym Chooser

How is the word sane distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sane are judicious, prudent, sage, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When might judicious be a better fit than sane?

In some situations, the words judicious and sane 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 is prudent a more appropriate choice than sane?

While the synonyms prudent and sane are close in meaning, prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

In what contexts can sage take the place of sane?

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

the sage advice of my father

When is it sensible to use sapient instead of sane?

Although the words sapient and sane have much in common, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When could sensible be used to replace sane?

The meanings of sensible and sane largely overlap; however, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

Where would wise be a reasonable alternative to sane?

The synonyms wise and sane are sometimes interchangeable, but wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

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 sane Another emotional roller-coaster year for Florida brought a deadly hurricane, distressing midterm elections and, for me, a bittersweet family exodus from the state to saner places. Fabiola Santiago, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025 Ange Postecoglou has a habit of choking on bread and butter, but Europe is keeping him sane. Phil Hay, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 Having some sort of schedule has kept me sane a little bit. Brooke Eby, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025 This may be true, but what sane person would exchange the gleaming city at 3 a.m. for the farmhouse at 9 P.M., with all the exhausted hoers and threshers briefly asleep until the next dawn’s labor begins again? Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sane
Adjective
  • Here’s what usually happens next JPMorgan cuts Tesla price target, sees stock getting slashed in half Goldman gave clients a stable stock list to buy if there’s a recession.
    Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The gap remained stable, and Piastri, who started P3, hovered further behind Verstappen.
    Luke Smith, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The bottom line: Volatility — though unnerving — is normal.
    John Towfighi, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Are these normal things to think at this point in a serious relationship?
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The former, while lucid, are often left wanting for a human anchor.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
  • According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals with Alzheimer's sometimes experience lucid episodes—brief moments when memories resurface and cognitive function appears temporarily restored.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Even when the accusations are unfounded, even when the risks are small, the mere possibility of being a sucker can be psychologically potent enough to undermine a rational preference for cooperation.
    Tess Wilkinson-Ryan, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
  • This all points to a more rational, less economically harmful climate policy, but, as always, there’s going to be litigation.
    The Editors, National Review, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition, corporations have to determine what a reasonable wage is, which typically requires the help of an accountant.
    Vlad Rusz, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Otherwise, the Bruins could try to get something reasonable in return on the open market.
    Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • From an evolutionary standpoint, humans like symmetry and balanced proportions.
    Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Julie Butner, president and CEO of Tarrant Area Food Bank, said the organization has been able to maintain balanced supply and distribution through the local food purchase agreement.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Less than a week before the season opener, 38 healthy players remain in camp.
    Dennis Lin, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The current ideal of a healthy, comfortable coupling has not been essential to the survival of the species.
    Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Eros hates domesticity; Eros hates a sensible choice.
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2025
  • However, all the mysteries have so far been solved with sensible explanations.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sane. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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