common sense

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of common sense
: sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts
So far, I've had the common sense not to tweet anything ghastly.—James Poniewozik
The poker player learns that sometimes both science and common sense are wrong. There is such a thing as absolute premonition of cards, a rock bottom surety of what will happen next.—David Mamet
With tsunamis, it may seem only common sense to Earth scientists to run away from (and not toward) the water when the sea is drawn rapidly down and away from the beach as a tsunami approaches. But that response is counterintuitive for most people.—Thomas C. Pierson
commonsense
ˈkä-mən-ˈsen(t)s How to pronounce common sense (audio)
adjective
commonsensible
ˈkä-mən-ˈsen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce common sense (audio)
adjective
commonsensical
ˈkä-mən-ˈsen(t)-si-kəl How to pronounce common sense (audio)
adjective
commonsensically
ˈkä-mən-ˈsen(t)-si-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce common sense (audio)
adverb

commonsensical

2 of 2

adjective

com·​mon·​sen·​si·​cal ¦kä-mən-¦sen(t)-si-kəl How to pronounce commonsensical (audio)
: commonsensible
countryfolk, unlearned and commonsensical, were capable of solving problems that beset the more sophisticated—J. D. Hart
commonsensically adverb

Synonyms of common sense

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for common sense

sense, common sense, judgment, wisdom 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

common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge.

common sense tells me it's wrong

judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity.

they relied on her judgment for guidance

wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average.

a leader of rare wisdom

Examples of common sense in a Sentence

Noun You really should go to see a doctor if your leg hurts that much. It's just common sense! Obey the laws and use common sense when operating your boat. She's very smart but she doesn't have a lot of common sense.
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.
Noun
Because the right is viewed as divisive by liberal corporations, and the left is viewed as empathetic common sense. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 While local governments are addressing concerns through zoning restrictions and moratoriums, the state could simplify some of the political distress by common sense laws regarding data center obligations and civic responsibilities. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026 Her broader message is to treat vulvas and vaginas like any other part of the body, with the same attention and the same common sense. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026 And that libertarian streak is driving a lot of opposition to things that most people might consider common sense. — Ariana Aspuru, Vox, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for common sense

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of common sense was in 1646

Rhymes for common sense

See All Rhymes for common sense

Browse Nearby Words

common seal
common sense
commonsense realism
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Cite this Entry

“Common sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20sense. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

common sense

noun
: ordinary good sense and judgment
commonsense
ˌkäm-ən-ˌsen(t)s
adjective
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