1
as in carefulness
a close attentiveness to avoiding danger
advised to use some old-fashioned prudence when agreeing to meet face-to-face with an online acquaintance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in expediency
suitability for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances
prudence would call for a little more caution in such a delicate situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in wisdom
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters
in the long run, prudence will pay off more often than taking wild risks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prudence
By all accounts, being a milquetoast is a sort of vice—cowardice masquerading as prudence.
—
Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Austria retained possession of Venetia, and prudence dictated to the delegates at the Congress of Vienna that continued Austrian predominance in Italy should guarantee the peninsula against French influence.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026
The two big investments in their front seven — particularly Phillips’ whopping four-year, $120 million deal — also meant the Panthers would have to exercise financial prudence with their other additions, at least one of which was a head-scratcher.
—Joseph Person, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
This is not the time for fiscal prudence for the Sharks.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prudence
Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Austria retained possession of Venetia, and prudence dictated to the delegates at the Congress of Vienna that continued Austrian predominance in Italy should guarantee the peninsula against French influence.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026
The two big investments in their front seven — particularly Phillips’ whopping four-year, $120 million deal — also meant the Panthers would have to exercise financial prudence with their other additions, at least one of which was a head-scratcher.
—Joseph Person, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
This is not the time for fiscal prudence for the Sharks.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prudence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prudence
Noun
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This carefulness is clearly strategic.—
Gary Sernovitz,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
-
Organizations can benefit by valuing carefulness and concentration not as an obligation, but as a fundamental pillar of success.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Luke also tackles complex issues head-on, prioritizing impactful policy over political expediency.—
John Gallivan,
Hartford Courant,
31 May 2026
-
Conservatism is rooted in ancient principles of character, virtue and dignity beyond immediate political expediency.—
Abby McCloskey,
Twin Cities,
7 May 2026
Noun
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Wilson was most often seen behind his fence (with his face mostly obscured), offering moral guidance and wisdom to Tim and the rest of the Taylor family.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
12 June 2026
-
Comer is the perfect counterpoint, a reinvention of a character who was said to be truly horrific in past versions, but here is a woman of great understanding and wisdom nursing Robin Hood back from the brink and giving him an end moment of grace.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
11 June 2026
Noun
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Advertisement These findings should be interpreted with caution, since bread is just one of many grains included in the studies.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
15 June 2026
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In the hours after the shootings, law enforcement officials and event organizers urged people not to attend planned rallies out of an abundance of caution, after No Kings flyers were found in Vance Boelter's vehicle.—
Jason Rantala,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
Noun
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In both countries, investment outcomes depend heavily on national conditions, including the strength of capital markets, workforce, infrastructure, and the judiciousness of laws and regulations.—
SADEK WAHBA,
Foreign Affairs,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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A little over 300 days ago, Manchester City found themselves in a state of tactical flux, preparing for a crucial Champions League tie at the Santiago Bernabeu with a sense of dread.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
10 Dec. 2025
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There will be plenty of other teams with interest in adding him, but the Hoosiers would make a ton of sense.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
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He was evacuated to a hospital in Berlin to receive care on May 20 and was discharged on June 6, according to Serge.—
Kiki Intarasuwan,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
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As prostate cancer care becomes more personalized, additional testing may help guide treatment decisions.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
15 June 2026
Noun
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Paeans to matters of the flesh — birthmarks, necks, genitals, odors, butt hair, the asymmetry of noses — accumulate thrilling details without worrying overmuch about expedience.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Apr. 2026
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The standard for war should not be political expedience.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prudence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prudence. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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