prudent

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adjective

Definition of PRUDENT

1

having or showing good judgment and restraint especially in conduct or speech <her calm response was very prudent under the circumstances>

Synonyms intelligent, judgmatic (or judgmatical), judicious, prudent

Related Words cautious, chary, circumspect, cozy; forehanded, foresighted, foresightful, forethoughtful; discerning, discriminating, sage, sane, sapient, senseful, sensible, wise; canny, provident; astute, perspicacious, sagacious, shrewd

Near Antonyms careless, heedless, incautious, rash; improvident, shortsighted; foolish, unwise

Antonyms imprudent, indiscreet, injudicious

2

suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances <it wouldn't be prudent to ask for a raise while the company is having financial troubles>

Synonyms advisable, desirable, judicious, politic, prudent, tactical, wise

Related Words advantageous, beneficial, profitable; useful, utilitarian; feasible, possible, practicable, practical; opportune, seasonable, timely; opportunistic, self-seeking

Near Antonyms impractical, profitless, unfeasible, unprofitable; inopportune, unseasonable, untimely

Antonyms impolitic, imprudent, inadvisable, inexpedient, injudicious, unwise

3

having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge <her many years of experience as a social worker have made her a prudent judge of character>

Synonyms discerning, insightful, perceptive, prudent, sagacious, sage, sapient

Related Words acute, penetrating, percipient, perspicacious; experienced; discriminating, discriminative; brainy, bright, brilliant, clever, intelligent, keen, nimble, quick, quick-witted, smart; cerebral, erudite, knowledgeable, learned, literate, scholarly; astute, clearheaded, piercing, sharp, shrewd; contemplative, reflective, thoughtful

Near Antonyms dense, dull, obtuse, purblind, woodenheaded; brainless, dumb, feebleminded, foolish, idiotic (also idiotical), imbecile (or imbecilic), knuckleheaded, moronic, silly, simple, slow, slow-witted, stupid, thoughtless, unintelligent, witless; undiscriminating

Antonyms unperceptive, unwise