wisdom

noun

ˈwiz-dəm How to pronounce wisdom (audio)
Definition of wisdomnext
1
as in insight
the ability to understand inner qualities or relationships with age and experience comes wisdom—hopefully neither book learning nor simple intelligence should be confused with wisdom

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in science
a body of facts learned by study or experience the orientation meetings will provide the company's old hands with an opportunity to pass on their wisdom to the new employees

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3
as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters had overstayed her welcome and lacked the wisdom to know it

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4
as in desirability
suitability for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances wondered about the wisdom of hiring such an inexperienced girl to care for the children

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun wisdom contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wisdom are common sense, judgment, and sense. While all these words mean "ability to reach intelligent conclusions," wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average.

a leader of rare wisdom

In what contexts can common sense take the place of wisdom?

The words common sense and wisdom are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

When is it sensible to use judgment instead of wisdom?

In some situations, the words judgment and wisdom are roughly equivalent. However, judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

When might sense be a better fit than wisdom?

Although the words sense and wisdom have much in common, sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence.

a choice showing good sense

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 wisdom In a later conversation in that same episode, the women’s roles are switched — Rhaenyra is no longer the impatient interrogator but an aggrieved ruler who has no idea how to govern; Alicent is the soothing confidant offering wisdom to welcome ears. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 The wisdom of the change became more evident as advances in communication, transportation, and technology developed throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026 An architectural historian who specializes in 19th-century Turkish interiors, Sedef Piker is a supporting character on the stream — occasionally popping up in the background with some mezze or motherly wisdom. — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026 Misadventure and misbehavior leave him stranded on the porch of a sympathetic chef and restaurateur (Antonio Banderas), whose kitchen offers a tumult of volatile personalities and whose soulful wisdom confers a sense of adult responsibilities. — Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wisdom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wisdom
  1. insight
  2. science
  3. prudence
  4. desirability
  5. knowledge
  6. sense
  7. judiciousness
  8. wit
Noun
  • Together, Clancy’s vocal, physical and written messages offered key insights into her perspective in the second week of her trial on three counts of murder in the killings of her children Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and Callan, 8 months.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • This information extends beyond mere fairness, offering crucial insights into career trajectory, market value, and essential skill development.
    — Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of insight
Noun
  • The visuals will be accompanied by information on the science of the incredible event and details on how the agency is working to learn more about our sun.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • For the science-fiction concepts underpinning that world, including gravity control, faster-than-light communication and cognitive materialization, Kamiyama worked with novelist Toh EnJoe, credited as SF setting supervisor, as an outside arbiter.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of science
Noun
  • In those conditions, United’s prudence makes financial sense.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The five points of the star represent the characteristics of a good citizen, which are fortitude, loyalty, righteousness, prudence, and broadmindedness.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Definition of prudence
Noun
  • Success was measured by desirability, exclusivity, and the ability to project status.
    — Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Rents and vacancy rates can vary dramatically depending on the community and its desirability, and, of course, on the size of the apartment.
    — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
Definition of desirability
Noun
  • Sources with knowledge of the investigation told ABC News that the victims were mother and daughter.
    — Jessica Gorman, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Combining modeling experience from the Mississippi with the operational knowledge of people who had spent careers on the Arkansas, our team built a 2D hydraulic model of more than 300 miles of river in about 19 hours.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of knowledge
Noun
  • What’s crucially lacking here is a particularly compelling sense of Reagan and Gorbachev as human characters.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • People think of intimacy in a romantic sense, but the relationships artists have with the people in their corner in the industry is also really intimate.
    — Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • In both countries, investment outcomes depend heavily on national conditions, including the strength of capital markets, workforce, infrastructure, and the judiciousness of laws and regulations.
    — SADEK WAHBA, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2025
Definition of judiciousness
Noun
  • And as always, Reacher’s bone-dry and hyper-literal wit continues to charm in this new adventure from showrunner Nick Santora (this time adapting author Lee Child’s Gone Tomorrow).
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026
  • While Eldridge’s thumb still isn’t 100 percent, the same can’t be said of his wit.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of wit

Phrases Containing wisdom

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wiry
wisdom
wisdoms
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Cite this Entry

“Wisdom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wisdom. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wisdom

Nglish: Translation of wisdom for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wisdom

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