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
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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
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
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Additionally, a boom-and-bust cycle in the early 2000s informs some of the company’s prudence on expansion.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s military should exercise prudence in its rules of engagement and not assume that every close call is intentional.—
JOEL WUTHNOW,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The prevailing wisdom of the past emphasized the need for more protein in younger folks who are experiencing rapid growth and development.—
Bryant Stamford,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Oct. 2025
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As our nation’s 250th anniversary approaches in 2026, may we be guided by their wisdom.—
John H Bolthouse,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Eliminating the need for manual adjustments—whether for meals or for any other changes during the day—would give people with diabetes a tremendous sense of freedom.—
Carrie Arnold,
Scientific American,
14 Oct. 2025
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That choice can shape your income, your sense of purpose, and the arc of your career.—
Suzy Welch,
CNBC,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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And as the cast — including Ayo Edebiri and Andrew Garfield who play the accuser and the accused, respectively — engage in an unflinching battle of wits, navigating one knotty maneuver after another, what stands out is their clothes, which are as sharp as the dialogue.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
10 Oct. 2025
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Though generous with his time and quick with his wit, Propes needs to decompress on his own after spending time with others.—
Heather Bushman,
IndyStar,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Liz Dennett Liz Dennett is a geoscientist, technologist, and the founder and CEO of Endolith, a biological intelligence company pioneering microbial solutions to recover copper from ores and waste rock.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
9 Oct. 2025
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In addition, agents and intelligence professionals investigating violent crimes against children identified or located 1,053 child victims, the release says.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nous. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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