Synonyms of judicious

judicious

adjective

jü-ˈdi-shəs 

1

as in intelligent

having or showing good judgment and restraint especially in conduct or speech

a good teacher who knows how to give judicious criticism as well as praise

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intelligent
• prudent
• cautious
• discreet
• sensible
• circumspect
• judgmatical
• judgmatic
• chary
• wise
• foresighted
• sage
• astute
• sane
• discerning
• sagacious
• discriminating
• cozy
• perspicacious
• foresightful
• shrewd
• sapient
• forehanded
• senseful
• provident
• canny
• forethoughtful

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• injudicious
• imprudent
• careless
• indiscreet
• rash
• heedless
• foolish
• improvident
• unwise
• shortsighted
• incautious

2

as in prudent

suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances

I'll ask for the raise at a time I deem most judicious

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prudent
• wise
• desirable
• tactical
• expedient
• possible
• advisable
• politic
• beneficial
• practical
• profitable
• useful
• advantageous
• practicable
• feasible
• utilitarian
• timely
• opportune
• opportunistic
• seasonable
• self-seeking

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unwise
• injudicious
• imprudent
• inadvisable
• impractical
• inexpedient
• unprofitable
• untimely
• impolitic
• unfeasible
• profitless
• inopportune
• unseasonable

Synonym Chooser

How is the word judicious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of judicious are prudent, sage, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

When would prudent be a good substitute for judicious?

While the synonyms prudent and judicious are close in meaning, prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

Where would sage be a reasonable alternative to judicious?

The words sage and judicious can be used in similar contexts, but sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When could sane be used to replace judicious?

While in some cases nearly identical to judicious, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When is sapient a more appropriate choice than judicious?

In some situations, the words sapient and judicious are roughly equivalent. However, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When might sensible be a better fit than judicious?

The words sensible and judicious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

In what contexts can wise take the place of judicious?

Although the words wise and judicious have much in common, wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of judicious

But the Dolphins must still be judicious with Daniels. —Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 29 July 2025

Her hospital has been handling the shortage by being judicious about who gets Bicillin shots. —Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 16 July 2025

Rather than stir the pot, simply ignoring the invite or declining to send a gift if there’s a followup is probably the most judicious route to take. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 14 May 2025

This requires multiple days of filming, but then very judicious decisions that need to be made in terms of editing it into a finished film. —Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025