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.

Nevertheless, betting against Elon Musk has not been a wise strategy in the past.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

"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

It hung in a place of honor in the headmistress’s office, where the founder’s wise yet impish face gazed down at any student who happened to end up sitting across from Miss Mortimer’s desk.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

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"

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!