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.

"It was a wise decision because Ebola spreads fast with such gatherings. We're now counting 19 cases and if the Martyrs Day celebration had happened, it would be in three digits now," Tedros said.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

Is it wise to invest it with a single firm?

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Maras and Ramsay make the wise choice to shoot the film with richly saturated color instead of the usual grayish, desaturated look often assigned to period pieces set in this era.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Big American cities and their political leaders, regardless of their politics, would be wise to show greater care and respect for these wondrous plants.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

“It would be wise for you to return it, stolen or not. Darkness only creates communication stones for important tasks.”

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

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"

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