Synonyms of nous

nous

noun

chiefly British

as in prudence

the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters

an Oxford don who was long on erudition but a little short on everyday nous

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prudence
• wisdom
• sense
• wit
• intelligence
• brains
• discretion
• gumption
• insight
• common sense
• policy
• sensibleness
• horse sense
• levelheadedness
• logicality
• judgment
• discreetness
• acumen
• logicalness
• foresight
• caution
• sagacity
• perspicacity
• discernment
• foresightedness
• astuteness
• shrewdness
• practicality
• farsightedness
• gray matter
• street smarts
• rationality
• sapience
• discrimination
• penetration
• circumspection
• keenness
• forethoughtfulness
• care
• precaution
• forehandedness
• premeditation
• clearheadedness
• rationalness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indiscretion
• imprudence
• shortsightedness
• stupidity
• idiocy
• foolishness
• carelessness
• unreasonableness
• senselessness
• heedlessness
• brainlessness
• half-wittedness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nous

The assessment contradicts Western conventional wisdom that Moscow has approached the conflict more as a meat grinder than with strategic nous. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2025

Alonso's coaching career has been turbocharged by his impressive tactical nous, which was the driving factor in the success of a Bayer Leverkusen side substantially less well-resourced than its rivals. — Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025

He's credited Pep Guardiola for his tactical nous in the past, but that doesn't explain away Sevilla. — SI.com, 2 Oct. 2019

The industry will have to use its considerable commercial nous to hit its growth targets if Brexit provokes a deep rupture with the EU. — The Economist, 3 May 2018