horse sense

noun

Definition of horse sensenext
as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters pure horse sense should tell you it's dangerous to play with matches

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 horse sense Anheuser-Busch will have to see how viewers react to its latest ad to determine if consumers think the Clydesdales still present good horse sense or represent a horse of a different color. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026 His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense. — Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024 But Lord knows, there’s a mountain of acumen and perspicacity or, in plain terms, good horse sense stored in those minds and souls. — Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Jan. 2023 Back in 2011, Daniels, a former Bush White House official and two-term Indiana governor known for his conservative horse sense and low-key manner, passed on a White House run and went on to accept the Purdue presidency. — Frederick Hess, Forbes, 16 June 2022 In an age when Hollywood’s highest-profile parent-child relationship is that between Britney Spears and her father, what could be more refreshing than the homespun horse sense of the Howard boys? — Peter Tonguette, WSJ, 7 Oct. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for horse sense
  1. prudence
  2. wisdom
  3. sense
  4. common sense
  5. wit
  6. policy
Noun
  • The word prudence seems to be missing as more and more debt is issued.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Investors also have little confidence that fiscal prudence will return anytime soon.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of prudence
Noun
  • The Democrat, who supports Jackson, thinks there’s wisdom in trying to avoid gaffes that distract from Collins.
    — Julia Terruso, Time, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Peralta’s revival shows how postseason fortunes can defy conventional baseball wisdom and earn second chances for players.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • The tightness of White’s control over his arrangements can occasionally foreclose the sense of chaotic freedom inherent to his more collaborative efforts.
    — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • This approach was meant to counter Vucic's one-man rule and restore a sense of community and solidarity.
    — JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • 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
Definition of common sense
Noun
  • Maybe not laugh-out-loud humor, though that’s there, but other forms of humor like wit, deadpan, understatement, exaggeration, recognition, irony.
    — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Naturally, Roan brought her signature candor and wit to the performance, joking around with fans in the audience.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of wit
Noun
  • Meanwhile, companies are deploying AI agents by the thousand, and not one of them has read the company policy or heard the new local court ruling.
    — Daniel Kjellén, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Most companies have policies addressing pregnancy, disability and other health conditions.
    — Lyndon Haviland, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of policy

Browse Nearby Words

horses around
horse sense
horse-trade
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Cite this Entry

“Horse sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horse%20sense. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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