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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

Examples of prudent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Thanks to prudent and progressive game management on tribal lands, the Mescalero elk herd continues to expand rapidly. Bruce Brady, Outdoor Life, 12 Sep. 2024 Masking in indoor public settings also remains a prudent idea for those seeking to avoid getting infected, Hudson said. Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2024 The negative aspects of automation, such as the impact on employment, customer experience, and community well-being, may suggest a methodical transition to some level of automation is prudent. Shelley E. Kohan, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 In fact, due to declining student enrollment, the Ocean View School District School Board, last year, made the tough, yet financially prudent decision, to close one of its four middle schools. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prudent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prudent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“Prudent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prudent. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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