prudence

prudence

noun

Definition of PRUDENCE

1

a close attentiveness to avoiding danger <advised to use some old-fashioned prudence when agreeing to meet face-to-face with an online acquaintance>

Synonyms alertness, care, carefulness, cautiousness, chariness, circumspection, gingerliness, guardedness, heedfulness, prudence, wariness

Related Words attentiveness, observance, vigilance, watchfulness; foresight, foresightedness, providence; calculation, canniness, deliberateness, deliberation, shrewdness

Near Antonyms abruptness, hastiness, impetuousness, precipitousness, rashness, suddenness; inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessness

Antonyms brashness, carelessness, heedlessness, incaution, incautiousness, recklessness, unwariness

2

suitability for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances <prudence would call for a little more caution in such a delicate situation>

Synonyms advisability, advisableness, desirability, desirableness, expedience, judiciousness, prudence, wisdom

Related Words advantageousness, beneficialness, profitability; feasibility, practicality, usefulness; opportuneness, seasonableness, timeliness

Near Antonyms impracticality, infeasibility; inopportuneness, unseasonableness, untimeliness

Antonyms imprudence, inadvisability, inexpedience, inexpediency, injudiciousness, unwisdom

3

the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters <in the long run, prudence will pay off more often than taking wild risks>

Synonyms discreetness, discretion, gumption [chiefly dialect], horse sense, levelheadedness, nous [chiefly British], policy, prudence, sense, sensibleness, wisdom, wit

Related Words street smarts; farsightedness, forehandedness, foresight, foresightedness, forethoughtfulness, judgment (or judgement); brains, gray matter, intelligence; logicality, logicalness, practicality, rationality, rationalness; discernment, discrimination, insight, sagacity, sapience; acumen, astuteness, clearheadedness, keenness, penetration, perspicacity, shrewdness; care, caution, circumspection, precaution, premeditation

Near Antonyms shortsightedness; brainlessness, foolishness, half-wittedness, idiocy, senselessness, stupidity; carelessness, heedlessness; unreasonableness

Antonyms imprudence, indiscretion