Synonyms of “Sense” in English: Definitions, Usage, and Examples

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2. INTRODUCTION

Understanding synonyms is essential for expanding your English vocabulary and communicating with clarity. The word “sense” is notably versatile, appearing in countless contexts—from physical perception (a sense of taste), to meaning (the sense of a word), to judgement or intuition (common sense or a sense of unease). Mastering the nuanced meanings and proper usage of synonyms for “sense” helps speakers and writers achieve precision, avoid ambiguity, and enrich their style. Whether in academic writing, daily conversation, or creative works, choosing the right synonym for “sense” can make communication more effective and expressive. This article targets intermediate to advanced learners, teachers, writers, and anyone keen on mastering English vocabulary and style. We will explore definitions, categories, rules, common pitfalls, extensive examples, practice exercises, and advanced insights into the synonyms of “sense.”

Table of Contents

3. DEFINITION SECTION

3.1 What Are Synonyms of “Sense”?

The word “sense” has several meanings in English. It can refer to physical perception (one of the five senses), meaning or interpretation (the sense of a word), reason or good judgment (common sense), or even feeling or intuition (a sense of excitement).

A synonym is a word with a similar (though not always identical) meaning. Synonyms for “sense” can vary in their exact meaning, connotation, register (formal/informal), and grammatical usage. Most are nouns (perception, feeling), but some related words are verbs (to sense, perceive) or adjectives (sensible, sensitive, perceptive).

Synonyms are highly context-dependent. The right choice depends on the denotation (explicit meaning), connotation (implied or emotional meaning), and the register (formality or informality) of the situation.

3.2 Function and Usage Contexts

“Sense” and its synonyms function primarily as nouns in English sentences, serving as subjects, objects, or complements. In some cases, verb and adjective forms are used as well. These words appear in both literal (biological senses) and figurative (judgment, understanding, intuition) contexts.

Consider how the core meanings of “sense” shift depending on context:

Table 1: Core Meanings of “Sense”
Sense as… Example Sentence Synonyms
Physical ability She has a keen sense of smell. perception, faculty, awareness
Meaning What is the sense of this word? meaning, significance, purport
Judgement He showed good sense. wisdom, prudence, discernment
Feeling A sense of relief feeling, emotion, sentiment

4. STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN

4.1 Parts of Speech Involved

Most synonyms of “sense” are nouns, but some related forms are verbs or adjectives:

  • Nouns: sense, perception, feeling, awareness, intuition, faculty, impression, judgment, wisdom
  • Verbs: sense, perceive, discern, intuit, realize, recognize
  • Adjectives: sensible, sensitive, perceptive, rational, intuitive
Table 2: Synonyms of “Sense” by Part of Speech
Noun Verb Adjective
sense sense sensible
perception perceive sensitive
awareness discern perceptive
intuition intuit rational

4.2 Collocations and Patterns

“Sense” and its synonyms often appear in specific word combinations called collocations:

  • Sense of + noun: sense of humor, sense of duty, sense of belonging
  • In a sense: In a sense, he was right.
  • Make sense: That explanation makes sense.
  • Synonym patterns: feeling of (feeling of joy), awareness of (awareness of danger)

4.3 Register and Formality

Some synonyms are more formal (purport, significance, discernment), while others are informal or colloquial (guts, vibe, hunch). Choose words appropriate to the context—academic writing, professional settings, or casual conversation.

For example, “intuition” is more formal than “gut feeling,” and “perception” is more formal than “sense.”

5. TYPES OR CATEGORIES

5.1 Synonyms for Physical Perception

These refer to the five senses: touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight. Synonyms include faculty, perception, sensation, awareness.

5.2 Synonyms for Meaning or Interpretation

Used when “sense” means meaning, significance, import, purport, implication, connotation. These are common in academic, legal, or literary contexts.

5.3 Synonyms for Judgment or Practical Wisdom

Here, “sense” means judgment, wisdom, prudence, discernment, reason. These words are often used to describe someone’s practical intelligence or decision-making.

5.4 Synonyms for Feeling or Emotion

When talking about feelings, “sense” can be replaced with feeling, impression, intuition, sentiment, hunch.

5.5 Synonyms for Awareness or Consciousness

Used for a state of being aware: awareness, realization, cognition, mindfulness, consciousness.

5.6 Distinctive and Overlapping Categories

Table 3: Categories and Overlaps
Category Synonyms (Distinct) Synonyms (Overlap)
Physical perception, faculty awareness, feeling
Meaning significance, import sense, implication
Judgment prudence, discernment sense, reason
Feeling impression, intuition sense, awareness
Awareness mindfulness, consciousness sense, perception

6. EXAMPLES SECTION

6.1 Examples by Category

6.1.1 Physical Perception

  • Dogs have a keen sense of smell. (perception, faculty)
  • She lost her sense of hearing. (faculty, ability)
  • He has an excellent perception of colors.
  • The faculty of touch is essential for reading Braille.
  • Her awareness of temperature changes is remarkable.
  • That tingling sensation means the medicine is working.
  • Blind people often have an enhanced awareness of sound.
  • The loss of the olfactory faculty can reduce the enjoyment of food.
Table 4: Physical Perception Synonyms in Sentences
Sentence Synonym Used
Dogs have a keen sense of smell. Sense
She lost her sense of hearing after the accident. Sense
He has an excellent perception of colors. Perception
The faculty of touch is essential for reading Braille. Faculty
Her awareness of temperature changes is remarkable. Awareness
That tingling sensation means the medicine is working. Sensation
Blind people often have an enhanced awareness of sound. Awareness
The loss of the olfactory faculty can reduce the enjoyment of food. Faculty

6.1.2 Meaning or Interpretation

  • What is the sense of this passage? (meaning, significance)
  • The word “bark” has more than one sense. (meaning, denotation)
  • The significance of this symbol is not clear.
  • Can you explain the import of his remarks?
  • This law has a different implication in each context.
  • The connotation of the word is negative.
  • The purport of the message was lost in translation.

6.1.3 Judgment or Wisdom

  • He showed great sense in that decision. (prudence, wisdom)
  • She lacks common sense.
  • His discernment makes him a great leader.
  • You need more prudence in financial matters.
  • Her wisdom is respected by all.
  • He acted with remarkable judgment during the crisis.
  • Use your reason before making a choice.

6.1.4 Feeling or Emotion

  • I had a sense of relief. (feeling, impression)
  • He had a sense that something was wrong. (hunch, intuition)
  • There was a feeling of excitement in the air.
  • Her impression was that the meeting went well.
  • I had an intuition that he would call.
  • My sentiment about the matter is positive.
  • She had a hunch that he was lying.

6.1.5 Awareness or Consciousness

  • He had no sense of danger. (awareness, consciousness)
  • She has a strong sense of self. (self-awareness, mindfulness)
  • Her awareness of social issues is impressive.
  • The realization dawned on him suddenly.
  • She practices mindfulness every morning.
  • He was in a state of full consciousness.
  • His cognition is above average for his age.

6.2 Examples by Complexity

  • Simple: This makes sense. (is logical)
  • Intermediate: He has a sense of responsibility. (awareness, duty)
  • Advanced: The painting evokes a sense of nostalgia. (feeling, sentiment)
  • Advanced: Her perception of subtle humor is remarkable.
  • Intermediate: Use your judgment before acting.
  • Simple: I have a feeling that it will rain.

6.3 Idiomatic and Figurative Examples

  • The story doesn’t make sense to me. (is logical)
  • He finally came to his senses. (regained reason)
  • In a sense, we are all responsible. (in a way)
  • She has a sixth sense for trouble. (intuition)
  • They lost their sense of direction. (awareness, orientation)
  • Trust your gut feeling. (intuition)
  • He has a good head on his shoulders. (wisdom, judgment)
Table 5: Idiomatic Uses and Their Synonyms
Idiom Meaning Synonym(s)
Make sense Be logical be logical, be reasonable
Come to one’s senses Regain reason regain reason, realize
In a sense In a way in a way, partially
Sixth sense Intuition intuition, gut feeling
Sense of direction Awareness of orientation orientation, awareness
Gut feeling Intuition intuition, instinct

6.4 Contrasting Examples

  • Correct: She has a sense of humor.
    Incorrect: She has a feeling of humor.
    Explanation: “Sense of humor” is the correct collocation. “Feeling of humor” is not idiomatic.
  • Correct: He has a talent for music.
    Incorrect: He has a sense for music.
    Explanation: “Talent for” describes ability; “sense for” is rare and less precise.
  • Correct: She has a feeling of sadness.
    Incorrect: She has a sense of sadness.
    Explanation: Emotions like sadness pair better with “feeling of.”
  • Correct: The significance of this event is enormous.
    Incorrect: The sense of this event is enormous.
    Explanation: “Significance” is more precise for importance or impact.

6.5 Comprehensive Lists

Below is a master list of 50 example sentences using various synonyms for “sense,” categorized and annotated.

  1. She has an excellent sense of direction. (awareness, orientation)
  2. His perception of art is unique. (physical/mental perception)
  3. He lost his faculty of speech after the accident. (physical ability)
  4. The significance of the discovery was not realized at first. (meaning)
  5. This sentence has more than one meaning. (interpretation)
  6. That law has a strict implication for businesses. (interpretation)
  7. She showed great discernment in choosing the right candidate. (judgment)
  8. Wisdom comes with experience. (judgment)
  9. He acted with prudence during the negotiation. (judgment)
  10. Use your reason before reacting. (judgment)
  11. I had a hunch it would rain today. (feeling)
  12. My intuition tells me it’s the right decision. (feeling)
  13. She had a feeling of joy at the news. (emotion)
  14. His impression was that the exam was easy. (emotion)
  15. The sentiment of the speech was positive. (emotion)
  16. He has a strong awareness of current events. (consciousness)
  17. She practices mindfulness every day. (consciousness)
  18. The patient regained consciousness after surgery. (awareness)
  19. His cognition is remarkable for his age. (awareness)
  20. He has a gut feeling about the outcome. (intuition)
  21. The news gave her a sense of hope. (feeling)
  22. He has a sense of duty towards his family. (responsibility)
  23. She lacks common sense. (judgment)
  24. The poem’s purport is open to interpretation. (meaning)
  25. This painting evokes a sense of nostalgia. (emotion)
  26. The faculty of hearing declines with age. (physical sense)
  27. Her perception is sharper than most. (awareness)
  28. He lost his sense of taste due to illness. (physical sense)
  29. There was a feeling of tension in the room. (emotion)
  30. He acted with great prudence under pressure. (judgment)
  31. Do you perceive any difference between these two? (verb: notice)
  32. She sensed danger and left immediately. (verb: felt, perceived)
  33. I intuit that he is telling the truth. (verb: sense, feel)
  34. The connotation of that term is negative. (meaning)
  35. He has a strong sense of self. (self-awareness)
  36. She has a sense of adventure. (feeling, personality trait)
  37. His sentiment about the war is complex. (emotion)
  38. The significance of this event cannot be overstated. (meaning, importance)
  39. He demonstrated great judgment under pressure. (judgment)
  40. The awareness of privacy risks is growing. (consciousness)
  41. Her mindfulness practice helps reduce stress. (awareness)
  42. He lost all feeling in his arm. (physical sense)
  43. She had an impression that he was unhappy. (feeling)
  44. What is the import of this statement? (meaning)
  45. He discerned a hidden motive. (verb: noticed, judged)
  46. The sensation of cold woke him up. (physical feeling)
  47. Her intuition saved her from a scam. (feeling)
  48. He has a good sense of timing. (judgment, awareness)
  49. The realization of her mistake came too late. (awareness)
  50. He lacks reason in his arguments. (judgment, logic)

7. USAGE RULES

7.1 General Guidelines

  • Choose the synonym that best fits the intended meaning and context.
  • Consider collocations: some words only work in set phrases (e.g., “sense of humor,” not “feeling of humor”).
  • Check the register: use more formal terms in academic/professional writing and informal terms in casual settings.
  • Be mindful of connotation: some synonyms carry positive, negative, or neutral associations.

7.2 Contextual Restrictions

Not all synonyms are interchangeable in every context. For example, “faculty” is used only for physical senses, while “wisdom” is used for judgment, not for physical senses or emotions.

Table 6: Contextual Appropriateness of Synonyms
Synonym Physical Meaning Judgement Feeling Awareness
sense ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
faculty ✓
wisdom ✓
intuition ✓ ✓

7.3 Collocation and Fixed Expressions

  • Sense of: sense of humor, sense of duty, sense of relief
  • Feeling of: feeling of joy, feeling of sadness, feeling of excitement
  • Awareness of: awareness of danger, awareness of privacy
  • Each phrase is fixed; do not mix them (e.g., “sense of humor” is correct, “feeling of humor” is not).

7.4 Register and Formality Rules

  • Formal: significance, import, discernment, intuition, awareness
  • Informal: guts, hunch, vibe, gut feeling
  • Match the synonym to the tone and audience of your communication.

7.5 Exceptions and Special Cases

  • Some words have overlapping senses: “sense” can mean feeling, judgment, or meaning.
  • Polysemous words like “sense” require context to clarify meaning.

8. COMMON MISTAKES

8.1 Confusing Synonyms in the Wrong Context

  • “She has a sense for music.” (should be “talent for music”)
  • “He has a danger sense.” (should be “sense of danger”)

8.2 Overusing “Sense” Instead of Specific Synonyms

  • “A sense of the problem.” (better: “an understanding of the problem”)
  • “A sense of the law.” (better: “the meaning/implication of the law”)

8.3 Wrong Collocations

  • “Feeling of humor” (incorrect) vs. “sense of humor” (correct)
  • “Sense of sadness” (awkward) vs. “feeling of sadness” (correct)

8.4 Register Errors

  • Using “guts” in a formal essay instead of “intuition” or “instinct”:
    Incorrect: “Her guts told her to leave.”
    Correct: “Her intuition told her to leave.”

8.5 Table 7: Common Errors and Corrections

Table 7: Common Errors and Corrections
Incorrect Example Correct Example Explanation
A sense of the problem. An understanding of the problem. “Sense” is too vague here; “understanding” is clearer.
She has a sense in art. She has an aptitude for art. Wrong preposition and word choice.
Feeling of humor Sense of humor Wrong collocation; use “sense of humor.”
He has a danger sense. He has a sense of danger. Phrase is not natural; use “sense of danger.”
Her guts told her to leave. Her intuition told her to leave. “Guts” is informal; “intuition” is formal.

9. PRACTICE EXERCISES

9.1 Fill-in-the-Blank (with Answers)

  1. She has a strong __________ of smell. (faculty/perception)
  2. The __________ of this law is unclear. (meaning/significance)
  3. He acted with great __________ in the crisis. (judgment/wisdom)
  4. I had a __________ that something was wrong. (hunch/intuition)
  5. Her __________ of the conversation was positive. (impression/feeling)
  6. He has a deep __________ of his responsibilities. (awareness/realization)
  7. She has a __________ for music. (talent/aptitude)
  8. The __________ of his words is important. (import/implication)
  9. She lost her __________ of taste after the illness. (sense/faculty)
  10. He has a good __________ of timing. (sense/judgment)

9.2 Error Correction

Correct the misuse of “sense” or its synonyms in these sentences:

  1. She has a feeling of humor.
  2. He has a danger sense.
  3. Her guts told her to invest.
  4. A sense of the law is needed.
  5. She has a sense in art.

9.3 Synonym Identification

Choose the most appropriate synonym for “sense” in each sentence:

  1. He has a strong __________ of self. (intuition/awareness)
  2. The __________ of this phrase is confusing. (meaning/feeling)
  3. Her __________ in emergencies is impressive. (judgment/sensation)
  4. She had a __________ that he was lying. (hunch/perception)
  5. He lost his __________ of hearing. (faculty/impression)

9.4 Sentence Construction

Write original sentences using each of the following synonyms of “sense”:

  • perception
  • intuition
  • significance
  • awareness
  • hunch

9.5 Matching Exercise

Match each sentence to the correct category:

  • a) He has a sense of humor.
    b) She has a talent for music.
    c) He lost his sense of taste.
    d) The significance of the discovery is enormous.
    e) She had a hunch about the outcome.
  1. Physical Perception
  2. Judgment or Wisdom
  3. Meaning or Interpretation
  4. Feeling or Emotion
  5. Judgment or Practical Wisdom

9.6 Table 8: Exercise Answer Key

Table 8: Exercise Answer Key
Exercise Answer(s)
9.1 Fill-in-the-Blank 1. faculty/perception
2. meaning/significance
3. judgment/wisdom
4. hunch/intuition
5. impression/feeling
6. awareness/realization
7. talent/aptitude
8. import/implication
9. sense/faculty
10. sense/judgment
9.2 Error Correction 1. She has a sense of humor.
2. He has a sense of danger.
3. Her intuition told her to invest.
4. An understanding of the law is needed.
5. She has an aptitude for art.
9.3 Synonym Identification 1. awareness
2. meaning
3. judgment
4. hunch
5. faculty
9.5 Matching a) Judgment or Wisdom
b) Aptitude (not a sense synonym, but ability)
c) Physical Perception
d) Meaning or Interpretation
e) Feeling or Emotion

10. ADVANCED TOPICS

10.1 Etymology and Word Families

The word “sense” comes from the Latin sensus (feeling, perception). Related words include sensory, sensual, sensitive, sentiment, and insensate. Synonyms like “perception” derive from Latin percipere (to seize, understand), and “intuition” from Latin intueri (to look at, contemplate).

Over time, these words have developed broader and more abstract meanings, especially in academic, philosophical, and psychological contexts.

10.2 Semantic Nuance and Register

Words like perception and awareness imply different levels of consciousness or understanding. Intuition suggests a deeper, subconscious knowledge, while judgment and wisdom indicate rational thinking and experience. Register matters: “gut feeling” is informal, “intuition” is neutral/formal, and “discernment” is formal.

10.3 Polysemy and Homonymy

“Sense” is polysemous: it has multiple related meanings (physical sense, meaning, feeling, judgment). Some synonyms are also polysemous—”feeling” can mean physical sensation or emotion.

Homonymy is less common among sense synonyms, but “faculty” can mean both an ability (sense) and a university staff group.

10.4 Synonyms in Formal vs. Informal Registers

  • Formal: significance, discernment, intuition, awareness, purport
  • Informal: guts, hunch, vibe, gut feeling

Choose synonyms according to audience and purpose. “He had a hunch” is casual; “He relied on his intuition” is suitable in academic or professional contexts.

10.5 Use in Academic and Literary Writing

Academic writing often favors precise synonyms: “significance,” “implication,” “perception,” “intuition.” Literary writing may use more metaphorical or figurative senses: “a sense of foreboding,” “the artist’s perception.”

Example from literature: “Her sense of isolation grew as night fell.” (feeling, emotion)

10.6 Synonyms Across Varieties of English

In British English, “faculty” is less commonly used for senses; “ability” or “capacity” may be preferred. American English uses “sense of direction” and “gut feeling” more frequently.

Regional expressions may include “vibe” (feeling/intuition) and “nous” (British informal for common sense).

11. FAQ SECTION

  1. What are the most common synonyms for “sense” in English?
    Answer: The most common are perception, feeling, intuition, awareness, judgment, significance, and meaning. The right choice depends on the context.
  2. How do I know which synonym of “sense” to use in a sentence?
    Answer: Consider the meaning, context, and typical collocations. For physical senses, use “faculty” or “perception”; for meaning, use “significance” or “import”; for feeling, use “intuition” or “impression.”
  3. What is the difference between “sense,” “feeling,” and “awareness”?
    Answer: “Sense” is broad and can mean physical ability, meaning, judgment, or feeling. “Feeling” usually refers to emotion or physical sensation. “Awareness” refers to conscious knowledge or realization.
  4. Can “sense” be used as a verb, and what are its verb synonyms?
    Answer: Yes. “To sense” means to perceive or detect. Synonyms include perceive, discern, detect, intuit, and realize.
  5. When should I use “intuition” instead of “sense”?
    Answer: Use “intuition” when referring to a subconscious or instinctive understanding, especially in formal or academic contexts. “Sense” is more general.
  6. Are there any idiomatic expressions with “sense” and its synonyms?
    Answer: Yes: “make sense,” “come to one’s senses,” “in a sense,” “sense of humor,” “gut feeling,” and “sixth sense” are a few.
  7. How does the meaning of “sense” change in academic writing?
    Answer: In academic writing, “sense” often refers to meaning, significance, or interpretation, and is usually replaced by more precise synonyms like “implication,” “import,” or “significance.”
  8. What are some common errors with “sense” synonyms?
    Answer: Using the wrong collocation (e.g., “feeling of humor” instead of “sense of humor”), mixing formal and informal synonyms inappropriately, or using “sense” when a more precise word is needed.
  9. How can I improve my use of synonyms in my writing?
    Answer: Study collocations, practice rewriting sentences with different synonyms, pay attention to context and register, and consult dictionaries or thesauruses.
  10. What are the differences between “common sense” and “wisdom”?
    Answer: “Common sense” refers to basic, practical judgment; “wisdom” implies deep understanding, experience, and insight.
  11. Are there synonyms of “sense” that are formal or informal?
    Answer: Yes. “Significance,” “intuition,” and “awareness” are formal; “gut feeling,” “hunch,” and “vibe” are informal.
  12. Can you provide more examples of synonyms used in context?
    Answer: Certainly. See the comprehensive list in section 6.5 for 50 example sentences using various synonyms in context.

12. CONCLUSION

Understanding the many synonyms of “sense”—their meanings, contexts, and correct usage—is essential for precise and effective English communication. This article has explored the core meanings, categories, collocations, and nuances of “sense” and its synonyms, providing extensive examples, tables, and practical exercises. Remember, choosing the right synonym depends on context, register, and collocation. Practicing with the exercises and consulting the examples will help you write and speak with greater accuracy and expressiveness. Mastery of synonyms not only enriches your vocabulary but also enhances your clarity and style in English. Continue exploring synonyms and related vocabulary to further strengthen your language skills.

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