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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nous
Noun
-
This is emblematic of transit leaders’ lack of fiscal prudence.—
Micky Horstman,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Aug. 2025
-
While investor excitement may be high, prudence is advisable.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Time-traveling romances, space-traveling alien monsters, and celebrities in seriously great shape who want to pass along their wisdom to us normal folk — all this and more await us in this weekend’s friendly neighborhood streaming guide.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
-
The midcentury era has carried over a few polite practices into our present-day routines, offering us easygoing wisdom and lasting insight on modern-day hospitality.—
Shivani Vyas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Also, the female-heavy production team added a keen sense of understanding of female friendships and family relationships, which brought truth to the outlandish premise.—
Katie Grant,
Parents,
7 Aug. 2025
-
In that sense, the suit is different from other lawsuits that have argued that AI training alone constitutes infringement.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
With a five-octave vocal range, preternatural charm and a razor-sharp wit, Buckley’s extraordinary live performances at downtown clubs became the stuff of legend.—
Tony Gervino,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Aug. 2025
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Davies’s adeptness at verbal wit and aching melancholy are on grand display throughout The House of Mirth, one of his greatest films.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
But typically, the Russian leader – a former intelligence officer with the Soviet Union’s security service, the KGB – uses translators to avoid speaking in English during diplomatic conversations.—
Katharina Krebs,
CNN Money,
16 Aug. 2025
-
The Trump administration paused intelligence sharing and weapons shipments to Ukraine after the incident.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
16 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nous. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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