SENSE Synonyms: 254 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sense 1 of 2

noun

ˈsen(t)s

Definition of sense

as in feeling

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

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Relevance

as in intellect

the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems although he has little formal education, he is a man of considerable practical sense

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in prudence

the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters you have the sense to handle anything that comes up

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as in meaning

the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action got the general sense of the poem

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as in reasoning

the thought processes that have been established as leading to valid solutions to problems your argument simply shows no sense

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sense

2 of 2

verb

as in to feel

to have a vague awareness of the deer seemed to sense danger

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as in to understand

to have a clear idea of I did not sense the full meaning of his cryptic warning until much later

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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

Digital channels are often best at removing friction, while physical spaces can create a richer sense of presence and confidence. — Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Ringel understood the sense of urgency for Isla because, in many ways, her journey mirrors that of his own. — Brad Quick, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

Verb

Luwi and the other highland boys sometimes attended Gajdusek’s lectures about kuru, and Luwi sensed that their presence gave him more credibility. — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Now sensing an opening, Lowe has sought to form an alliance with Farage, conditioned on Farage accepting some of Restore’s more extreme policies. — Reagan Yip, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sense

Noun

There’s a small kitchenette and landing with a dining table, nice for a morning coffee or simply the feeling of having a little more space.

— Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Featuring appearances from Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Ye, YG, Black Thought, Larry June and others, the album also finds Game seemingly airing out some long-simmering feelings about none other than Kendrick Lamar.

— Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of feeling

Noun

Short-term rates went to 5% and change, Treasury bills paid more than investment grade corporates, and savers who had spent fifteen years being punished for prudence suddenly got paid handsomely for doing nothing.

— Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
In those conditions, United’s prudence makes financial sense.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of prudence

Noun

Instructors say in these classes, these new drivers will go over depth perception, the rules of the road, sign meanings, speed limits, what happens when you get pulled over, emergency situations, and how to be a good defensive driver.

— Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
But that would be hollow without the sense that the characters’ emotions, and therefore our emotions, are real—that the story, though it might have been born from metaphor, has literal, intrinsic meaning.

— Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of meaning

Noun

When clinicians cannot verify the reasoning behind an AI response, the utility and integrity of clinical decisions come into question.

— Rhett Alden, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
The reasoning can be found in an Easter egg manager Walt Weiss dropped Sunday after Elder allowed one run over six innings in the Braves’ win over the Diamondbacks at Truist Park.

— Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of reasoning

Verb

Delaying a medical appointment is a common response to feeling stressed about what’s going on with your body, according to a 2021 study on health care avoidance.

— Glamour, Glamour, 24 Aug. 2026
These measures improve a sense of safety on campus, and students feel their mental health needs are being met, Dorn said.

— Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of feel

Verb

Three-dimensional geological modelling has improved the ability to understand how a mineral system is shaped at depth.

— Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
The challenge is not simply understanding asset allocation theory but also selecting managers, accessing differentiated opportunities and integrating them into a broader portfolio.

— Alex Shahidi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of understand

Noun

Through a blend of camellia alba, blue ginger, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E, this antioxidant-rich mist delivers not only a refreshingly cool sensation, but ensures your skin is protected against antioxidants and quenched.

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
That first video has more than 33 million views, and the series would go on to become a viral sensation, inspiring spinoff videos, reaction clips across the internet and a television show.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of sensation

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sensations

sense

sensed

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Style

“Sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sense. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of sense

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verb

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More from Merriam-Webster on sense

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Games & Quizzes