1
2
3
4
5

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 Plus, these wiser septuagenarians feel that the most difficult and stressful experiences in life are behind them, while a sense of accomplishment helps lessen daily anxiety. Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025 The Camino is wise; its lessons come slowly, mile by mile, day by day. Daniela Diaz, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025 Under the management of Gene, Bob, and Ron, the firm’s signature ‘good judgment and wise counsel’ combination gained another component: unparalleled care. Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025 Even if the snow continuously falls, removing it before more than four inches accumulates is wise, as large amounts of snow are significantly more difficult to remove. Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
Adjective
  • What are the climate risks confronting prudent fiduciaries?
    Marianne Krasny, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • But their move to limit the exposure of the man with a license to kill may have proved prudent, considering that the ubiquity of über-brands like Disney’s Marvel and Lucasfilm sparked audience fatigue and prompted a pullback on output.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • O'Brien argued the officers were well aware Chris Prichard was a serious threat to his wife.
    Jonathan Vigliotti, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Be aware that sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe alternatives.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • However, if history is any guide, Apple has a knack for solving these technical challenges and crafting a narrative that makes its products desirable, even necessary.
    Tim Bajarin, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Located in the heart of Hartford’s West End, which is arguably one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods, the home at 55 Terry Road is exceptional.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In December 2024, the brand opened a cute hut that could have been plucked out of a Disney cartoon on the beach of the St. Regis Kanai Resort in Riviera Maya.
    Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Trendy cuffed denim and new takes on the brand’s beloved barrel jeans are in the mix, but that’s only the beginning; cute shorts, skirts, and capris are also up for grabs (and starting to sell out).
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Picture high-collar zip-ups, bold color-blocking, and contrast piping for maximum throwback appeal.
    Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Her bold and theatrical designs have also been a hit with musicians in particular.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Most recently, Amy shone as the assistant director for ‘The Crucible’ by Arthur Miller, earning the respect of her peers for her insightful feedback, thoughtful notes, and collaborative vision for the production.
    Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The best of the best conferences have insightful speaker series.
    Lindsey Bartlett, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These are a few of the menu items that will earn you a knowing wink from behind the counter.
    Sunny Hubler, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Return to the game’s original map and graphics, the floating loot system, the more basic movement and get rid of redeploys, making map traversal slower and more tactical.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Her coach, Conchita Martínez, not only has a fantastic tactical mind but is widely considered to be a real adult—not always a given in pro tennis.
    Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wise

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!