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
Relevance
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 nous
His defensive nous has been questioned previously, but do not underestimate the work that the 22-year-old can get through.
—
Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 May 2026
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
Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nous
Noun
-
This raised interest rates to punishing levels just as fiscal prudence was being tossed aside.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2026
-
Strength and prudence are not the same thing.—
S.E. Cupp,
New York Daily News,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
In his new Audible Original, the 46-year-old actor and comedian combines humor and wisdom to share the most valuable lessons he's learned from parenthood.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
4 June 2026
-
At Miraval Berkshires, guests are immersed in an intimate, nature-rich setting that invites connection, whether that means getting to know others, engaging with our expert specialists, exploring team challenges, or participating in ceremonies grounded in traditional wisdom.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Strategic shakeup Usually buying and selling is a cop out, but with where the Red Sox are in their competitive cycle the approach might make some sense.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
-
Goins said the turnout Saturday reflected a sense of unity and hoped the protest would serve as a path forward for change and empowering communities of color, especially.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
By greatly expanding the dimensions of his images, with their muted palettes, tight cropping, found symmetries, and laconic wit, had the maestro of the photographic epigram betrayed his subtractive aesthetic?—
James Quandt,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
The Four Seasons actress shouted out her husband, Jeff Richmond, ahead of their 25th wedding anniversary with her signature wit.—
Marina Watts,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The tunnel was discovered through intelligence work conducted by agents with the FGR's Criminal Investigation Agency in coordination with Mexico's Security Cabinet.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
-
Pulte will remain as chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and FHFA director in addition to acting as national intelligence director.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nous. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
