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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nous
He's credited Pep Guardiola for his tactical nous in the past, but that doesn't explain away Sevilla.
—
SI.com, 2 Oct. 2019
While John Stones is equally good in possession, the 25-year-old has not yet developed Alderweireld's defensive nous, which should come with age and experience.
—SI.com, 15 Aug. 2019
His defensive nous allows the creativity to flow freely from virtuoso talents such as Eden Hazard and Luka Modric.
—SI.com, 5 Sep. 2019
The 37-year-old has built a strong reputation for his tactical nous since retiring from playing.
—SI.com, 24 June 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
Some creative nous, some flair – something to get England fans off their bloody seats for the first time in years.
—SI.com, 21 Mar. 2018
The nous of captain Lee Wallace, the longest serving current Rangers player at seven years, was sorely missed today.
—SI.com, 30 Apr. 2018
His establishment nous notwithstanding, Mr Pompeo is not playing Mr Trump so much as finding common cause with him.
—The Economist, 15 Mar. 2018
SI.com, 2 Oct. 2019
While John Stones is equally good in possession, the 25-year-old has not yet developed Alderweireld's defensive nous, which should come with age and experience.
—SI.com, 15 Aug. 2019
His defensive nous allows the creativity to flow freely from virtuoso talents such as Eden Hazard and Luka Modric.
—SI.com, 5 Sep. 2019
The 37-year-old has built a strong reputation for his tactical nous since retiring from playing.
—SI.com, 24 June 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
Some creative nous, some flair – something to get England fans off their bloody seats for the first time in years.
—SI.com, 21 Mar. 2018
The nous of captain Lee Wallace, the longest serving current Rangers player at seven years, was sorely missed today.
—SI.com, 30 Apr. 2018
His establishment nous notwithstanding, Mr Pompeo is not playing Mr Trump so much as finding common cause with him.
—The Economist, 15 Mar. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nous
Noun
-
But, as stated above with any Kevin Durant possibilities, pick prudence certainly does have to be part of any Heat transaction machinations going forward.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
9 May 2025
-
Nonprofit plans, by contrast, often operate under strict reserve requirements, regulatory constraints and cultural norms that prioritize prudence over growth.—
Sachin H. Jain,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
Noun
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Many family members and friends have offered nuggets of wisdom to my son during his graduation.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
6 June 2025
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When the residents of Salem last saw Hogestyn, the character he's played since 1986 was imparting some poignant words of wisdom on his grandson, Tate (Leo Howard).—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
3 June 2025
Noun
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Drawing inspiration from seaside villas, the light and airy rooms evoke a sense of calm that draws the eye to the panoramic-view windows and terraces.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
8 June 2025
-
Did those moves stir a sense of urgency in the clubhouse?—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
With his signature blend of lo-fi aesthetics and sharp, high-concept wit, Reece delivers another visionary exploration of Oklahoma and a darkly comic meditation on the fractured American soul.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
5 June 2025
-
Black Bag succeeds on its style and chilly wit, and on the cool, nervy appeal of its two stars.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
Chinese companies are mandated by law to assist China's intelligence agencies when needed.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
5 June 2025
-
Unethical competitive intelligence is, unfortunately, usually par for the course in the software industry.—
Chris Mele,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nous. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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