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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 Those who are successful in the job market learn how to embrace tradeoffs to make wise choices. Michael B. Horn, Time, 24 June 2025 Washington eventually adopted more sensible approaches that mobilized the resources of key allies, developed a wiser balance between conventional and nuclear tools, and assumed a less confrontational attitude toward Moscow. Jennifer Lind, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that message during a television appearance the next morning, telling CBS News that there is still an offer for a nuclear deal on the table if Tehran is wise enough to take it. Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025 Brian Gutekunst and the front office may opt to stand pat, but signing another cornerback would be wise. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wise
Adjective
  • Further, the company has been prudent in allocating its resources towards innovation and marketing focused on its flagship product, unlike big conglomerates who despite having deep pockets are unable to focus on a particular niche.
    Ankita Dhawan, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Adding another inside linebacker or two would be prudent, and Michigan has players on the board who could fill that need.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Be aware of any coyote behaving abnormally or exhibiting unusually bold behavior (e.g., approaching people for food, attacking leashed pets that are with their owners, stalking children, chasing joggers or bikers, etc.) and report these incidents to authorities immediately.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
  • The president once again claimed without evidence that Biden wasn't aware of what was being signed.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Lack of charging infrastructure makes used electric vehicles less desirable than gas cars to some car buyers.
    Charles Singh, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • Highland Ventures is ready to transform 525 N. Tryon into a more desirable office space after purchasing the building in May for $24 million.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Oh, and the best pairs of the bunch are also plain old comfy (and cute, in a gorpcore kind of way).
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 7 July 2025
  • July 6, 2025: Rodman watching Shelton’s match at Wimbledon is so cute the ESPN announcer literally giggles trying to talk about them.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • In fiery Aries, Saturn not only demands results but also bold action.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 12 July 2025
  • And the challenge became not drawing a big, bold line between the unceasing pound of drums, the undulating flapping of flags, the rising tide of song, and the team’s breathless second-half charge.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • The suggestions can often be surprisingly insightful.
    Pradeep Kumar Muthukamatchi, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • There’s never been a more hilarious, insightful peek into the life of a ballplayer than Jim Bouton’s diary of his 1969 season as a reliever for the Seattle Pilots and Houston Astros.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • When the emails eventually came out, it was revealed that Donald Trump Jr. was a knowing and enthusiastic participant.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Hooded eyes, a linear slash for a mouth, a square jaw, a tousle of hair — the startling frugality of lines that bring the dying sitter to full life embodies the knowing depth of the couple’s relationship.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Most recently, a gunman in tactical gear opened fire on a Border Patrol facility in Texas.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2025
  • When a mysterious space vessel crash-lands on Earth, a young woman (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wise. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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