prudence

noun

pru·​dence ˈprü-dᵊn(t)s 

1

: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason

2

: skill and good judgment in the management of affairs and the use of resources

3

: caution or circumspection as to danger or risk

Synonyms of prudence

• carefulness
• caution
• care
• circumspection

Examples of prudence in a Sentence

He always exercises prudence with his finances.

advised to use some old-fashioned prudence when agreeing to meet face-to-face with an online acquaintance

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, a boom-and-bust cycle in the early 2000s informs some of the company’s prudence on expansion. —Zev Fima, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s military should exercise prudence in its rules of engagement and not assume that every close call is intentional. —Joel Wuthnow, Foreign Affairs, 12 Sep. 2025

But those with long memories are tempering enthusiasm with prudence, remembering how the dot-com bubble led to unsustainable valuations and a painful crash. —Tiz Gambacorta, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

This was a chance for Biden to take the high road, to toe the fiscal line and display financial prudence. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin prudentia, alteration of providentia — more at providence

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prudence

• imprudence
• impudence
• jurisprudence

Kids Definition

prudence

noun

pru·​dence ˈprüd-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason

2

: skill and good judgment in the management of affairs

Legal Definition

prudence

noun

pru·​dence ˈprüd-ᵊns 

: attentiveness to possible hazard : caution or circumspection as to danger or risk

a person of ordinary prudence