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
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 prudence
Otherwise, there needs to be prudence, since the Heat are poised to potentially get back in the cap-space race in the 2026 offseason, when the contracts of Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier come off the books.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
What critics of interventionism have historically sought is prudence in foreign affairs—avoiding unnecessary wars while ensuring the protection of core national interests.
—Andrew Latham, JSTOR Daily, 27 Mar. 2025
Duty Of Care The duty of care obligates fiduciaries to exercise a high standard of professionalism, prudence, and diligence in managing your finances.
—True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
In the meantime, people could do worse than to embrace some prudence and frugality.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prudence
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
What critics of interventionism have historically sought is prudence in foreign affairs—avoiding unnecessary wars while ensuring the protection of core national interests.
—Andrew Latham, JSTOR Daily, 27 Mar. 2025
Duty Of Care The duty of care obligates fiduciaries to exercise a high standard of professionalism, prudence, and diligence in managing your finances.
—True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
In the meantime, people could do worse than to embrace some prudence and frugality.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prudence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prudence
Noun
-
Create clear, consistent guidelines for public participation that prioritize citizen engagement over procedural expediency.—
Josue Sierra,
Baltimore Sun,
12 Feb. 2025
-
The central bank, however, has consistently maintained its independence, which is essential for crafting policies that consider long-term economic stability over political expediency.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Socrates warned that putting words on paper would destroy memory, weaken wisdom, and dull the human mind.—
Ann Kowal Smith,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Until Black Panther’s record breaking $235 million opening, conventional industry wisdom held that films with predominantly Black casts typically underperform financially overseas.—
Chris Lee,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
According to procedure, the field is frozen as soon as the caution lights are illuminated.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Apr. 2025
-
This slowdown is driven by high interest rates, corporate caution, and the impact of new tariffs.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In this sense, Biden’s brand of post-neoliberalism fed the body but not the soul.—
Jennifer M. Harris,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
-
In a sense, this ichor functioned like a power source or electricity, circulating through the robot’s bronze limbs and fueling his movements and actions.—
Sofia Giannuzzi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Vatican May Have Ever So Slightly Softened Its Stance on Trans People Doctrine chief Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández discussed the viability of gender dysphoria, while still condemning gender-affirming care, in a speech at a theological conference in Cologne in February, CNN reports.—
Samantha Riedel,
Them.,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Despite the care taken, those ready-to-wear initial papal vestments didn't always do the trick.—
Christopher Watson,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Redemptive leadership at this level means designing for legacy, not expedience.—
Nell Derick Debevoise,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
The 2024-25 budget is a prime example of such political expedience.—
Dan Walters,
The Mercury News,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
With a breezy wit displayed over his thirty-plus-year career (including his breakout commentary during the 2024 Olympics which cemented his global influence), the artist observed the rare confluence of holidays with a simple image of himself as the Easter Bunny on X, formerly Twitter.—
Jeanie Pyun,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Maher, who has spent decades fine-tuning his brand of biting, socially charged humor to make sense of complex, often uncomfortable issues, brings a sharp wit that’s more thoughtful and layered than he’s often given credit for.—
Margie Warrell,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The debut reveals nine models, in fact, and each one punches far above its weight in the categories of design, nostalgia, and flat-out desirability.—
Nik Miles,
Robb Report,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Cultivating a daughter’s education offered an alternative means of increasing her desirability and securing her future.—
Manuela Callari,
Smithsonian Magazine,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prudence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prudence. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share