prudent

adjective

ˈprü-dᵊnt How to pronounce prudent (audio)
Definition of prudentnext
1
as in cautious
having or showing good judgment and restraint especially in conduct or speech her calm response was very prudent under the circumstances

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wise
suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances it wouldn't be prudent to ask for a raise while the company is having financial troubles

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in insightful
having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge her many years of experience as a social worker have made her a prudent judge of character

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word prudent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of prudent are judicious, sage, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

Where would judicious be a reasonable alternative to prudent?

In some situations, the words judicious and prudent are roughly equivalent. However, judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

In what contexts can sage take the place of prudent?

The synonyms sage and prudent are sometimes interchangeable, but sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When would sane be a good substitute for prudent?

The words sane and prudent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When can sapient be used instead of prudent?

While in some cases nearly identical to prudent, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When could sensible be used to replace prudent?

The meanings of sensible and prudent largely overlap; however, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

When is it sensible to use wise instead of prudent?

While the synonyms wise and prudent are close in meaning, wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of prudent The most prudent course of action may be to let Charlie Coyle start next season there and then try to trade for one between October and March. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 15 May 2025 United already voluntarily cut 35 flights a day, which seems prudent under the current conditions. —Owen Hayes, NBC news, 14 May 2025 That decision looks prudent given the recent macro uncertainty. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 6 May 2025 Washington State's prudent financial governance stands in stark contrast to Washington DC's struggle with fiscal discipline. —Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prudent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prudent
  1. cautious
  2. wise
  3. intelligent
  4. desirable
  5. judicious
  6. tactical
  7. discreet
  8. possible
Adjective
  • The Chiefs, who have a history of being cautious with their rookies during summer practices, nonetheless had Simmons participate in non-team drills during rookie minicamp last month.
    — Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025
  • Here are some tips to choose high-quality olive oil: Be cautious with olive oils that bear significantly lower prices.
    — Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025
Definition of cautious
Adjective
  • Which is wiser: Spending money on more firefighting resources after wildfires break out and absorbing the extraordinary cost of damages, or investing in technologies and training to prevent wildfires from happening in the first place?
    — Abhishek Singh, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Considering Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt are all in line for new deals soon, getting something done with Hutchinson sooner rather than later would be wise.
    — Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Definition of wise
Adjective
  • By freeing physicians from the need to be behind their computers during appointments, these intelligent assistants enable a more personal and engaging interaction with patients.
    — Rakhee Langer, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Designing the Future of AI Artificial intelligence is powering a new generation of tools that combine logic with intelligent action.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • Edgewood’s parlors, its ample lawn, and a fine carriage house with original stables that is under renovation are desirable venues for weddings and corporate retreats.
    — John Oseid, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • In early May, the EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, rolled out a plan to respond to Trump by slapping tariffs on more than $100 billion worth of U.S. goods if the negotiations with Washington do not yield a desirable outcome.
    — Filip Timotija, The Hill, 23 May 2025
Definition of desirable
Adjective
  • Beyond tariffs: Be judicious in your expansion plans.
    — AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Rays — For years, the Rays have managed to field contending teams through judicious under-the-radar trades by GM Erik Neander despite one of the lowest payrolls in baseball.
    — Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025
Definition of judicious
Adjective
  • As part of this summer’s transfer coverage on The Athletic, in addition to breaking news, tactical analysis and in-depth reads, our Transfers TLDR series will bring you a quick guide to each of the key deals.
    — Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 2 June 2025
  • During the eighteen-forties, the antislavery movement was splintering over the question of whether such crusades should be compartmentalized, either for tactical reasons or because some of its male adherents felt that women should stay out of politics altogether.
    — James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Definition of tactical
Adjective
  • Almost a decade later, Ionescu faced the Bay Area’s new WNBA team for the first time, and had a relatively discreet eight-point, six-assist, five-rebound night, numbers that severely underrate her impact.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 28 May 2025
  • There’s a Shanghai outpost of its discreet Stefano Ricci club for its community of top-spending clients who spend around €50K-€5 million a year; another is earmarked to open soon in Beijing.
    — Gemma A. Williams, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of discreet
Adjective
  • Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2025
  • The Boise City Council approved plan modifications May 13 for a central village green and town center that would include shopping, coffee shops and food spots, including possible food carts in a park area.
    — Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 29 May 2025
Definition of possible

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“Prudent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prudent. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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