sanity

noun

san·​i·​ty ˈsa-nə-tē How to pronounce sanity (audio)
Synonyms of sanitynext
: the quality or state of being sane
especially : soundness or health of mind

Synonyms of sanity

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Examples of sanity in a Sentence

People have begun to doubt his sanity. She is the mother of six children but somehow keeps her sanity. The sanity of the decision was never in question.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For her own sanity, McRae prefers to float above the noise, staying out of the discourse and letting the work speak for itself. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026 Modern romance requires a toll, in other words, paid in energy, in sanity, in cash, in hours—and not everyone can afford it. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026 These racks take a pile of pot lids and easily organize them by size, saving you space and sanity. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 31 July 2026 Showing my team that boundaries are sacred doesn’t just save my sanity but also gives them the psychological permission to protect theirs, too. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sanity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sanite, from Anglo-French sanité, from Latin sanitat-, sanitas health, sanity, from sanus healthy, sane

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sanity was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing sanity

Rhymes for sanity

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Browse Nearby Words

sanitizer
sanity
San Jacinto
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Cite this Entry

“Sanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanity. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sanity

noun
san·​i·​ty ˈsan-ət-ē How to pronounce sanity (audio)
: the quality or state of being sane

Medical Definition

sanity

noun
san·​i·​ty ˈsan-ət-ē How to pronounce sanity (audio)
plural sanities
: the quality or state of being sane
especially : soundness or health of mind

Legal Definition

sanity

noun
san·​i·​ty
: the quality or state of being sane compare insanity

More from Merriam-Webster on sanity

Nglish: Translation of sanity for Spanish Speakers

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