wise

[wahyz] / waɪz /

ADJECTIVE

intelligent, reasonable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

astute aware careful educated enlightened experienced informed judicious knowledgeable perceptive prudent rational sagacious sane sensible smart thoughtful wary well-informed

STRONG

contemplative keen knowing sage sensing sharp sound understanding

WEAK

calculating clever cogitative crafty cunning discerning discreet erudite foresighted insightful intuitive perspicacious politic reflective sapient scholarly shrewd sophic tactful taught witty

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless foolish heedless ignorant inattentive incautious indiscreet inexperienced irrational obtuse reckless senseless stupid thoughtless unaware uneducated uninformed unintelligent unknowledgeable unrealistic unreasonable unsophisticated unsound unwise

STRONG

idiotic

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.

So the question is not only whether golf courses are particularly biodiverse, but whether or not it is wise to build on this type of land.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

It’s also wise to take coworkers’ investing stories with a grain of salt, said Mark La Spisa, a CFP based in Barrington, Ill. “I always warn people about relying on others’ reported returns,” he says.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

No one has coached or won more MLS games than Bruce Arena, so when Arena speaks about the league, it’s probably wise to listen.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

“All they’re missing are the manger and the three wise men,” the preacher quipped.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

“Your grandmother was wise, fair, and filled with compassion,” the woman continues.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

Vocabulary lists containing wise

"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry

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"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, Act III

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Bright Ideas: Synonyms For "Smart"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!