Definitions

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.

Nevertheless, betting against Elon Musk has not been a wise strategy in the past.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Ironically, Toru preaches the importance of good communication skills in the office, a lesson the film’s guarded family would be wise to heed.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Is it wise to invest it with a single firm?

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

While on the trip with Mr. Mead, I realized that these U.S. negotiators would be wise to go to Kyiv.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

But when it does you want to listen, because it’s also wiser than wise.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

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!