common sense

[kom-uhn sens] / ˈkɒm ən ˈsɛns /

NOUN

sound judgment

Synonyms

STRONGEST

good sense horse sense intelligence practicality rationality rule of thumb sense sound judgment sound sense wisdom wit

STRONG

logic mother wit prudence

WEAK

acumen cool experience good reasoning gumption levelheadedness reason reasonableness sensibleness soundness sweet reason wits

Antonyms

STRONG

foolishness impracticality ineptness irrationality stupidity

WEAK

ignorance insanity unreasonableness

common-sense

ADJECTIVE

reasonable

Synonyms

WEAK

astute commonsensical cool down-to-earth hardheaded judicious levelheaded matter-of-fact practical rational realistic sane sensible shrewd sound

Antonyms

WEAK

foolish impractical insane unreasonable unsensible unsound

NOUN

sound judgment

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acumen good sense insight intelligence judgment logic practicality prudence rationality sense sound judgment wisdom wit

WEAK

cool experience good reasoning gumption horse sense levelheadedness mother wit reason reasonableness sensibleness sound sense soundness sweet reason wits

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignorance ineptness irrationality stupidity

WEAK

foolishness impracticality insanity unreasonableness unsoundness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It's time to use common sense and for a ceasefire. People are suffering on both sides," she said of the Ukraine war.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

There are always threads of truth in arguments like these — enough to make ageism sound like common sense.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

Yes, sometimes in conservation efforts, common sense is enough.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026

The universities said they "strongly reject" that in-person, timetabled weekend teaching is classified as "distance learning", arguing it "defies common sense".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Along with their truly awe-inspiring heroism, these men of the North had delightful common sense.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

common sense

Example Sentences

Related Words