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.

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

Some would argue that the wise move would have been to hold off until after the World Cup but, clearly, the Scottish FA felt they couldn't do that.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

It still isn’t foolproof, and it is wise to use an actual flesh-and-blood human to fact-check anything you must get right.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

It would be wise to avoid extreme agitation while raising the dragon.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

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!