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
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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
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
Since even Tea Party supporters opposed Medicare cuts, the MAGA pivot away from typical GOP fiscal prudence didn’t require a dramatic transformation.
—Aidan Grogan, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prudence
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
Since even Tea Party supporters opposed Medicare cuts, the MAGA pivot away from typical GOP fiscal prudence didn’t require a dramatic transformation.
—Aidan Grogan, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prudence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prudence
Noun
-
There was no carefulness in it.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
1 May 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
-
Conservatism is rooted in ancient principles of character, virtue and dignity beyond immediate political expediency.—
Abby McCloskey,
Twin Cities,
7 May 2026
-
The expediency of their exchanges (back and forth over a couple of weeks) electrified the planet, especially the mounting viciousness of Lamar’s attack (ad hominem all the way).—
New York Times,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Two questions about the wisdom of mandatory minimum sentences — a very contentious topic in legal circles — yielded only brief responses.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2026
-
Research by Gao, Niu, and Yu published in Frontiers in Psychology found that intellectual humility in leadership cultivates team environments rooted in trust and collaboration, where leaders lean on collective wisdom rather than individual authority.—
Mary Hemphill,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2026
-
The same few voices lead every conversation, and everyone else trades challenge for caution.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Strategic shakeup Usually buying and selling is a cop out, but with where the Red Sox are in their competitive cycle the approach might make some sense.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
-
Goins said the turnout Saturday reflected a sense of unity and hoped the protest would serve as a path forward for change and empowering communities of color, especially.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
As courts weigh transgender military bans and states restrict gender-affirming care, some corporations retreat from sponsorship while local businesses step up to keep hometown Pride celebrations funded and visible.—
Geoff Mulvihill,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
-
Every detail is a quiet act of care.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
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
-
That’s a multi-year explanation disguised as the expedience of the half-hour rush that came Monday.—
Sam McDowell
Updated March 9,
Kansas City Star,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prudence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prudence. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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