1
as in carefulness
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 & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in expediency
suitability for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances
prudence would call for a little more caution in such a delicate situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in wisdom
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 & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 prudence
There is a fine line between prudence and penny-pinching.
—
Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
What a mistake to penalize prudence with a tax levied on retirement savers acting with extraordinary prudence.
—John Tamny, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
That record is a testament to the party’s pragmatism and prudence.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025
Otherwise, there needs to be prudence, since the Heat are poised to potentially get back in the cap-space race in the 2026 offseason, when the contracts of Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier come off the books.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prudence
Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
What a mistake to penalize prudence with a tax levied on retirement savers acting with extraordinary prudence.
—John Tamny, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
That record is a testament to the party’s pragmatism and prudence.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025
Otherwise, there needs to be prudence, since the Heat are poised to potentially get back in the cap-space race in the 2026 offseason, when the contracts of Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier come off the books.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prudence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prudence
Noun
-
Leaders everywhere are willing to overlook the well-being of children for political expediency.—
Beatrice Weber,
New York Daily News,
8 May 2025
-
The expediency allows the company's constellation to get up and running just before wildfire season begins.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Speaking of what might be in store for the future, Ordonez does have words of wisdom for the next generation of CFOs.—
Jack McCullough,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
-
The word wisdom in China or any place that's quite old, that is completely out of style.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
The central bank’s caution could lead to more conflict between the Fed and the Trump administration.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2025
-
The shelter shut down out of an abundance of caution, Long said, to ensure no other dogs showed symptoms or tested positive.—
Shaela Foster,
Baltimore Sun,
6 May 2025
Noun
-
The story is like a gentle hug, wrapping you up in a sense of comfort and contentment.—
American Booksellers Association,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
According to sources, Shell did float the idea about dropping the 10 PM hour with CBS executives but that was put to rest after he was presented with detailed arguments — and data — why programming the time slot makes financial sense for the network.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
By clearly defining fiduciary responsibilities, the IPS promotes accountability, transparency, and adherence to the highest standards of care in managing the assets.—
Paul Westall,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
-
Last year, the national average price of child care was $13,128.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
Redemptive leadership at this level means designing for legacy, not expedience.—
Nell Derick Debevoise,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
The 2024-25 budget is a prime example of such political expedience.—
Dan Walters,
The Mercury News,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
But the marathon markup had all the trappings of the previous endurance contest, featuring waves of emergency takeout, loads of caffeine and plenty of grumpy lawmakers who sought unique ways to make it through the gauntlet with their wits intact.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
14 May 2025
-
This special stamp serves as a lasting reminder of Barbara Bush's enduring love for family and friends, sharp wit and unwavering commitment to solve the problems of today by ensuring that every man, woman and child has the opportunity to read, write and comprehend.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
But what this incident has not ruined is Louise’s desirability, despite her marital status.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
16 Apr. 2025
-
This is due, in part, to the end-of-the-world setting of the show, rendering his romantic desirability as a sort of gag.—
Virgie Tovar,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prudence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prudence. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share