sage 1 of 2

Definition of sagenext

sage

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sage distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sage are judicious, prudent, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When can judicious be used instead of sage?

The words judicious and sage can be used in similar contexts, but judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

When would prudent be a good substitute for sage?

Although the words prudent and sage have much in common, prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

When could sane be used to replace sage?

The meanings of sane and sage largely overlap; however, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When is sapient a more appropriate choice than sage?

In some situations, the words sapient and sage are roughly equivalent. However, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When might sensible be a better fit than sage?

While in some cases nearly identical to sage, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

In what contexts can wise take the place of sage?

The synonyms wise and sage are sometimes interchangeable, but wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

How is the word sage distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sage are judicious, prudent, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When can judicious be used instead of sage?

The words judicious and sage can be used in similar contexts, but judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

When would prudent be a good substitute for sage?

Although the words prudent and sage have much in common, prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

When could sane be used to replace sage?

The meanings of sane and sage largely overlap; however, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When is sapient a more appropriate choice than sage?

In some situations, the words sapient and sage are roughly equivalent. However, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When might sensible be a better fit than sage?

While in some cases nearly identical to sage, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

In what contexts can wise take the place of sage?

The synonyms wise and sage are sometimes interchangeable, but wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

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 sage
Noun
Painting the front door a fresh seasonal color — sage, navy, soft black or coral — is one of the easiest ways to update your home’s exterior. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2026 To deter deer grazing, consider planting aromatic herbs around your fruit plants, such as rosemary, mint, and sage. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 14 Apr. 2026 Zach Galifianakis plays the retired Carl Bardolph, who’s considered a gnomic sage by the Duncans of the world even as his sessions with JoAnne uncover an overgrown child beholden to fits of rage. Alison Herman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2026 While the fruit is the star of the show, sage and lime (zest and juice) give the pie depth of flavor. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sage
Adjective
  • Diaz-Balart of Miami is among the Republicans now doubting redistricting is wise.
    Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
  • David Schulte had helped other cities remove terrain and encourage water-wise sod installations, like a Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass blend.
    Gabriela Vidal, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Headline speakers present at this year’s festival included composer Craig Armstrong, who sat for an in-depth conversation with Scottish broadcaster Edith Bowman about his creative process, accompanied by a live performance of his most famous scores by local music scholars.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Where does the framework of religion as used by scholars of religion fall short, and what can be gained by thinking about values instead?
    Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But even if monetization doesn’t ultimately come to fruition, the tech YouTube created to identify deepfakes on its platform is necessary, prudent and, as multiple sources stressed, incredibly important to an industry in the midst of technological disruption.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The potential option to acquire an existing building may warrant further analysis to ensure the city is making the most financially prudent decision over the long term.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/sage. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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