prudence

noun

pru·​dence ˈprü-dᵊn(t)s 

1

: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason

2

: skill and good judgment in the management of affairs and the use of resources

3

: caution or circumspection as to danger or risk

Synonyms of prudence

• carefulness
• caution
• care
• circumspection

Examples of prudence in a Sentence

He always exercises prudence with his finances.

advised to use some old-fashioned prudence when agreeing to meet face-to-face with an online acquaintance

Recent Examples on the Web

The state police Troop H barracks are nearby but prudence suggested assigning a State Police trooper to the building would be best way to provide an immediate response to a problem. —Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026

Action is delayed in the name of prudence. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Arnold’s original prudence was followed by overspending. —John Seiler, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026

Today, similar prudence animates concerns about NATO and broader trans-Atlantic ties in an era when Europe has undergone profound transformations through mass migration, supranational governance, demographic decline, and shifting cultural priorities. —Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin prudentia, alteration of providentia — more at providence

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prudence

• imprudence
• impudence
• jurisprudence

Kids Definition

prudence

noun

pru·​dence ˈprüd-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason

2

: skill and good judgment in the management of affairs

Legal Definition

prudence

noun

pru·​dence ˈprüd-ᵊns 

: attentiveness to possible hazard : caution or circumspection as to danger or risk

a person of ordinary prudence