Synonyms for

Sense

Verb / sens / Another word for sense — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The ability to understand and perceive things. It can also mean a feeling or awareness.

Synonyms & similar words

motherwit goodsense gumption horsesense sentiency feel smellout smell commonsense sentience signified sensation sensoryfaculty perception understanding awareness feeling judgment discernment reasoning logic smarts savvy insight intuition wisdom intelligence comprehension consciousness perceptiveness sensibility ability acumen

Synonyms by register

Formal

perception awareness cognition comprehension discernment

Informal

feel get understand grasp figure out

Literary

sentience apprehension intuition

Antonyms

nonsense foolishness absurdity stupidity irrationality madness

Common collocations

  • common sense
  • good sense
  • sense of humor
  • sense of direction
  • make sense
  • sense of duty
  • sense of urgency
  • sense of belonging

Word family

noun sense
verb sense
adjective sensible
adverb sensibly

Usage note

As a verb, 'sense' often implies a subtle or intuitive perception rather than direct observation. It can also mean to understand or detect something, especially a feeling or atmosphere.

Example sentences

  1. I have a good sense of direction.
  2. He has a sense of style.
  3. She has a great sense of humor.
  4. I can sense that you're upset.
  5. It doesn't make sense to me.

Quotes

  • Common sense is not so common. - Voltaire
  • Our senses are indeed our doors and windows on this world, in a very real sense the key to the unlocking of meaning and the wellspring of creativity. - Jean Houston
  • The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once. - Rene Descartes

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