sanity

noun

san·​i·​ty ˈsa-nə-tē How to pronounce sanity (audio)
: the quality or state of being sane
especially : soundness or health of mind

Examples of sanity in a Sentence

People have begun to doubt his sanity. She is the mother of six children but somehow keeps her sanity. The sanity of the decision was never in question.
Recent Examples on the Web Use your intellect and intuition to bring about the changes that affirm your sanity and encourage you to take better care of yourself and what’s important to you. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 Based on author Craig Johnson's mystery novels, Longmire (which ran from 2012-2017) is about a widowed sheriff in small-town Wyoming who's trying to maintain his sanity while keeping the peace. Emily Blackwood, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024 This is the only way to keep the peace and your sanity. Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2024 Their sanity is always in question and brings into question Batman’s own. Josh Weiss, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Haunting visions and ominous clues leave no one’s sanity untested. Alida Becker, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2024 Thankfully, both sanity and the rule of law prevailed. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 Adults will appreciate the adjustable volume control for sensitive ears (and sanity), and the automatic shut-off feature helps save battery. Maya Polton, Parents, 8 Mar. 2024 Only our youngest, Juliana, remains an island of sanity in a sea of automotive chaos. Maria Garriott, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sanity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sanite, from Anglo-French sanité, from Latin sanitat-, sanitas health, sanity, from sanus healthy, sane

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sanity was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near sanity

Cite this Entry

“Sanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sanity

noun
san·​i·​ty ˈsan-ət-ē How to pronounce sanity (audio)
: the quality or state of being sane

Medical Definition

sanity

noun
san·​i·​ty ˈsan-ət-ē How to pronounce sanity (audio)
plural sanities
: the quality or state of being sane
especially : soundness or health of mind

Legal Definition

sanity

noun
san·​i·​ty
: the quality or state of being sane compare insanity

More from Merriam-Webster on sanity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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