Sense — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈsen(t)s/

Meaning & Definition of Sense

Sense (noun)

  1. a meaning conveyed or intended, import, signification; especially, one of a set of meanings a word or phrase may bear especially as segregated in a dictionary entry
  2. the faculty of perceiving by means of sense organs
  3. a specialized function or mechanism (such as sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch) by which an animal receives and responds to external or internal stimuli

Sense (verb)

  1. to perceive by the senses
  2. to be or become conscious of
  3. grasp, comprehend

Sense (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an indefinite physical response to a stimulus

    "a strange sense of discomfort brought on by the room's strong colors"

  2. the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems

    "although he has little formal education, he is a man of considerable practical sense"

  3. the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters

    "you have the sense to handle anything that comes up"

  4. the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action

    "got the general sense of the poem"

  5. the thought processes that have been established as leading to valid solutions to problems

    "your argument simply shows no sense"

Sense (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to have a vague awareness of

    "the deer seemed to sense danger"

  2. to have a clear idea of

    "I did not sense the full meaning of his cryptic warning until much later"

    opposite: miss

Related Entry: Common sense (noun)

Common sense is a different word from Sense. The synonyms below are for common sense, not for sense.

  1. the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters

    "common sense should tell you not to meet face-to-face with someone who is just an online acquaintance"

    similar: discreetness, discretion, gumption (chiefly dialect), horse sense, levelheadedness, nous (chiefly British), policy, prudence, sense, sensibleness, wisdom, wit

Related Entry: Horse sense (noun)

Horse sense is a different word from Sense. The synonyms below are for horse sense, not for sense.

  1. the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters

    "pure horse sense should tell you it's dangerous to play with matches"

Related Entry: Sixth sense (noun)

Sixth sense is a different word from Sense. The synonyms below are for sixth sense, not for sense.

  1. the power of seeing or knowing about things that are not present to the senses

    "a filmmaker with a sixth sense for knowing which stories the general public will find irresistible"

Related Entry: Talk (verb)

Talk is a different word from Sense. The synonyms below are for talk, not for sense.

  1. to give a formal often extended talk on a subject

    "the fire chief often talks at school assemblies about fire safety"

  2. to engage in casual or rambling conversation

    "talked with our neighbor as we unloaded the groceries from the car"

  3. to express (a thought or emotion) in words

    "you're talking nonsense: take a minute and think about what you are trying to say, and then start speaking"

  4. to give information (as to the authorities) about another's improper or unlawful activities

    "after being threatened, the eyewitness started talking at length about what he had seen in the alley"

  5. to relate sometimes questionable or secret information of a personal nature

    "you're a fine one to talk about your sister's marital problems when you have had plenty of your own"

Related Entry: Talk (into) (verb)

Talk (into) is a different word from Sense. The synonyms below are for talk (into), not for sense.

  1. to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest request

    "the salesman talked us into buying a new vacuum"

Related Entry: Talk (to) (verb)

Talk (to) is a different word from Sense. The synonyms below are for talk (to), not for sense.

  1. to communicate with by means of spoken words

    "I had never talked to a real live cowboy before"

Related Entry: Talker (noun)

Talker is a different word from Sense. The synonyms below are for talker, not for sense.

  1. a person who talks constantly

    "your brother is quite a talker—he wouldn't let me get a word in edgewise"

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Sense

The most common words with a similar meaning to Sense:

Chiefly dialect: gumption
Chiefly British: nous

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Sense

Words with the opposite meaning of Sense:

Near Antonyms of Sense

Word Forms of Sense

Inflections: sensed, sensing

Origin & Etymology of Sense

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French sen, sens sensation, feeling, mechanism of perception, meaning, from Latin sensus, from sentire to perceive, feel; perhaps akin to Old High German sinnan to go, strive, Old English sith journey send

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Sense

Words & Phrases Containing Sense

Frequently Asked Questions about Sense

What does "Sense" mean?

"Sense" means a meaning conveyed or intended, import, signification; especially, one of a set of meanings a word or phrase may bear especially as segregated in a dictionary entry. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a meaning conveyed or intended, import, signification; especially, one of a set of meanings a word or phrase may bear especially as segregated in a dictionary entry. It has 7 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Sense"?

Other words for "Sense" include feel, feeling, sensation, brain(s), brainpower, gray matter, headpiece and intellect. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Sense" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Sense"?

There are 213 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Sense". Common alternatives include feel, feeling, sensation, brain(s), brainpower, gray matter, headpiece, intellect, intellectuality and intelligence.

What is the opposite of "Sense"?

Antonyms of "Sense" include imprudence, indiscretion and miss. Near antonyms include denseness, density, doltishness and dopiness.

How do you use "Sense" in a sentence?

Examples of "Sense" in a sentence: "a strange sense of discomfort brought on by the room's strong colors"; "although he has little formal education, he is a man of considerable practical sense"; "you have the sense to handle anything that comes up".

Is "Sense" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Sense" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Sense" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Sense" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Sense"?

"Sense" is pronounced /ˈsen(t)s/.