Definition of judiciousnext

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 But these visual depictions of faith, and of the young protagonist’s inflated self-image, are also strengthened by Clichy’s judicious use of sound. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 19 May 2026 Korean comedy can often veer broad and wacky, but Na’s handle on it is always judicious. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026 Expect judicious use of mangos once the summer truly gets underway. Connie Ogle updated May 15, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026 This makes seasoning a bit difficult to maintain, and requires some attention and judicious use of an infrared thermometer to monitor surface temps. Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for judicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for judicious
Adjective
  • Alan was successful, intelligent, social and well-liked.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026
  • Our goal is not to tell you what to think, but to give you the essential knowledge and understanding to come to your own intelligent conclusions.
    David Biller, Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Keeping their core together seems like a prudent move.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 24 June 2026
  • Perhaps the radical thought of a black woman as president made this approach seem prudent.
    Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Berkeley adopted a more cautious approach.
    Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 June 2026
  • The data also points to a more cautious approach to automation than much of the AI industry’s messaging might suggest.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Let curiosity guide cooperation toward a wiser agreement.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2026
  • Grantham is either a wise veteran warning investors again or a permanent bear who fails to understand a new financial system.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • The solid wood nightstand combines discreet and open storage for all of your essentials, and its charming scalloped base is accentuated by a punchy shade of green.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2026
  • Warm lighting, wood paneling, and deep soaking tubs soften the brick and concrete, while the brand’s signature discreet service is still present.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Shirts tied to a specific tour, an album release or a now-defunct venue tend to be the most desirable.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Such qualities might be unobjectionable, even desirable, in and of themselves, but their ubiquitous appearance across the internet has turned them into instant design clichés.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • The statute would ban covered officers from wearing masks or shielding their identities while on duty and interacting with the public, with exceptions including medical masks, religious coverings, certain tactical equipment and hazardous conditions.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Taylor Swift wedding security ramps up Amidst the barricades already set up, additional officers, units and tactical personnel are expected around the venue.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Judicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/judicious. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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