sense 1 of 2

1
as in feeling
an indefinite physical response to a stimulus a strange sense of discomfort brought on by the room's strong colors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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sense

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sense contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sense are common sense, judgment, and wisdom. While all these words mean "ability to reach intelligent conclusions," sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence.

a choice showing good sense

Where would common sense be a reasonable alternative to sense?

The words common sense and sense can be used in similar contexts, but common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

When would judgment be a good substitute for sense?

Although the words judgment and sense have much in common, judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

In what contexts can wisdom take the place of sense?

In some situations, the words wisdom and sense are roughly equivalent. However, 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 sense
Noun
For one, there’s often an initial intoxicating sense of familiarity that quickly devolves into chaos and drama, something akin to love-at-first-sight that suddenly shifts into leave-me-alone. Christina Pérez, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025 The 1960s ushered in debates about the constitutionality of the federal death penalty, due, in part, to a postwar sense of moral superiority. Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
With around 300 million olfactory receptors, compared to just 6 million in humans, dogs can sense even the most subtle shifts in scent, including those caused by hormonal changes. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025 The impact of Mastery points and level progression can be sensed throughout the game. George Yang, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sense
Noun
  • These groups are a safe space to share your feelings with others with a similar diagnosis.
    Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2025
  • There has been some scientific research into whether these curative feelings can be backed up by actual findings.
    Vicky Hallett, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Kilmer’s specialty was giving the audience glimpses of intellect and compassion behind his steely gaze. Cruise, on the other hand, could never have pulled off Iceman.
    John DeVore, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025
  • In terms of demeanor, Cavett and Mulaney also share a lot in common, as both are known for infusing their comedy with a certain level of intellect and intrigue.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Duty Of Care The duty of care obligates fiduciaries to exercise a high standard of professionalism, prudence, and diligence in managing your finances.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • In the meantime, people could do worse than to embrace some prudence and frugality.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Every shape, every color seemed to have a secret meaning.
    Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
  • As values and priorities shift, younger generations want more meaning, alignment, and employer support.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Their reasoning is that these products are poisoning Americans.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The Future Of Education is AI AI is reshaping education—moving us away from memorization toward reasoning, understanding, and critical thinking.
    Lutz Finger, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Many individuals feel too stressed or busy will avoid treating themselves, according to a study by Cornell SC Johnson College of Business published in the Journal of Consumer Research.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • For the polarizing defenseman, that has felt like three days at some times, and three years at others.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • At least conceptually, the Giants understand that the leap from 3-14 to Super Bowl contender cannot be made in a year.
    Howard Megdal, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • It was not understood that the artist, through rigorous pictorial research, was aiming to chart the history of the image of female genitalia in the history of art from the classical period onward.
    Paola Ugolini, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Along the way, viewers meet budding stars like rookie sensation Noah Brown and veteran winger Nate Augspurger.
    Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • But Meow Wolf management is keenly aware that some guests may feel overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and tactile sensations.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sense. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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