common sense

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

Synonyms of common sense

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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

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.
This is reorienting representation in Arkansas based on common sense, based on compassion and based on showing up. — Stephen Fowler, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 So here is a common sense approach the NFL should adapt to avoid these public relations black eyes – because the league gets a lot of coverage over national anthem performances that go awry. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Compassion doesn’t mean that presidents or other public officials should bow to enemies or surrender common sense in tackling the world’s harsh realities. — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026 The feds gave the state a silly 48-hour deadline to agree to change constitutional law, dump common sense and sequester these 20,000 ballots, if they were even returned, to double-check they were cast by valid voters. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for common sense

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for common sense

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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 27 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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