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
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
-
Waugh: Fundamentally, Newcastle want to significantly bolster Howe’s squad while maintaining financial prudence.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
12 June 2025
-
The path forward will necessitate not only compassion but also prudence—and a firm grasp of the limits of what even a generous nation can achieve.—
Andy J. Semotiuk,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
Many family members and friends have offered nuggets of wisdom to my son during his graduation.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
6 June 2025
-
In a profile for Vulture published Monday, June 2, the 38-year-old Sinners actor — who previously starred in 2021's A Journal for Jordan, directed by Washington — opened up about the wisdom the two-time Oscar winner, 70, shared with him about overexposure in the age of social media.—
Jen Juneau,
People.com,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
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
-
The full trailer emphasizes the sense of community among the crew members, showcasing budding romances, space adventures, and an explosive science experiment.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
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
-
Unethical competitive intelligence is, unfortunately, usually par for the course in the software industry.—
Chris Mele,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
-
Chinese companies are mandated by law to assist China's intelligence agencies when needed.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nous. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share