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

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

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

Apparently, all three had assumed that the wise old “flounder” was alive and well and could be found strolling about the school, giving sage advice.

From "The Interrupted Tale" 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!