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.

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

Following president Lee's expression of regret over the drones on Monday, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Lee's regret was "wise behaviour".

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Within hours, Kim Yo Jong conveyed her brother’s appreciation and praised Lee’s “very fortunate and wise behavior.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

I pleaded, but Rostam had become a donkey of Divine Providence—a wise ass of the first order.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

Vocabulary lists containing wise

"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, Act III

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!