Synonym Chooser

How is the word judicious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of judicious are prudent, sage, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

When would prudent be a good substitute for judicious?

While the synonyms prudent and judicious are close in meaning, prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

Where would sage be a reasonable alternative to judicious?

The words sage and judicious can be used in similar contexts, but sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When could sane be used to replace judicious?

While in some cases nearly identical to judicious, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When is sapient a more appropriate choice than judicious?

In some situations, the words sapient and judicious are roughly equivalent. However, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When might sensible be a better fit than judicious?

The words sensible and judicious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

In what contexts can wise take the place of judicious?

Although the words wise and judicious have much in common, 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 judicious The monitor said Mock was judicious in her oversight of union funds. Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 19 Sep. 2025 As this is a smaller toy and one with judicious amounts of diecast in the joints, this should make for a very good rendition of this classic mecha from Metal Gear Solid. Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 But be judicious about application and follow the label instructions because these products kill beneficial bugs, too. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025 Rodriguez’s success is due in part to his judicious usage. Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for judicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for judicious
Adjective
  • Millions grew up less intelligent, more violent, poorer, and more likely to die from heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
    Tom Frieden, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025
  • But there were circumstances that could allow the highly intelligent Leland to have a better life.
    Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • At this point, a prudent President would have stayed silent.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
  • And for a program run by a nation-state or a billionaire that doesn't want to have a rocket blow up, this is prudent.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • During the preview, a mischievous group of young diplodocus splash in the water around a pair of kayaking guests, while other juveniles like the triceratops are more cautious in nature, choosing to stick close to their parents.
    Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The Dodgers are being cautious.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There are many layers that get peeled back in this wise film.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
  • That won’t be the case every week, but Diggs looks up to speed — healthy and chemistry-wise — which puts him in the WR3/4 conversation and gives that Boutte the boot.
    Jake Ciely, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The lavish resort is a reconstructed Gilded Age hotel well-rehearsed in being discreet.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The Zurich Summit, the film industry sidebar of the Zurich Film Festival, is leaning into the city’s reputation as a global banking hub to strengthen its role as a discreet meeting point for financiers and filmmakers.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Her aptitude was unavoidable at the Fendi show, where top models holding desirable handbags, styled with joyful knits, eye-catching dresses and sporty separates, strutted past guests, including actors Hilary Duff, Naomi Watts and Bang Chan of the South Korean boy band Stray Kids.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The combination of scarcity and eye appeal should help this remain a desirable card for years to come.
    Andrew Mackie, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Two men ducked behind the van as an agent wearing full tactical gear opened the driver's side door and looked into the rear of the vehicle.
    Peter D'Abrosca , Brooke Taylor, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Officers called in a police tactical team as well as crisis negotiators to try to coax the man to surrender, said department officials.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Judicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/judicious. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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