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
Today, similar prudence animates concerns about NATO and broader trans-Atlantic ties in an era when Europe has undergone profound transformations through mass migration, supranational governance, demographic decline, and shifting cultural priorities.
—
Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
The organizations also claim that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s prudence requirement doesn’t allow NIPSCO to recover costs expended pursuant to an unlawful directive, according to the letter.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
For individual donors, steering clear of certain causes to avoid a costly confrontation with the government is an act of prudence.
—Steven Levitsky, Foreign Affairs, 11 Dec. 2025
Hegseth, in his public comments, characterized the ruling as confirmation that the Pentagon had acted within the bounds of both military prudence and constitutional law.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prudence
Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
The organizations also claim that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s prudence requirement doesn’t allow NIPSCO to recover costs expended pursuant to an unlawful directive, according to the letter.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
For individual donors, steering clear of certain causes to avoid a costly confrontation with the government is an act of prudence.
—Steven Levitsky, Foreign Affairs, 11 Dec. 2025
Hegseth, in his public comments, characterized the ruling as confirmation that the Pentagon had acted within the bounds of both military prudence and constitutional law.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prudence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prudence
Noun
-
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
-
Just as essential a consideration as carefulness for committee members, though, is speed.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The expediency and greed of the fast-moving artificial intelligence industry are the motivators, and health and safety are no longer of paramount concern.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Still, Blackwell remained critical of the lack of expediency in freeing the men from detention.—
Jacob Rosen,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
If affordability is today’s most pressing challenge, lawmakers must not confuse volume with wisdom, and instead confront the policies that continue to drive high costs and limit opportunity.—
Carol Platt Liebau,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Just as Clinton Edgar Woods saw the wisdom of combining the advantages of gasoline and electric power, so today’s hybrids could serve as a bridge while battery technology and charging infrastructure continue to mature.—
Bill Gourgey,
Popular Science,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Toxicologist Alex LeBeau urged caution when interpreting the results.—
Owen Clarke,
Outside,
9 Feb. 2026
-
So while these stocks look incredible, some caution is warranted.—
Josh Brown,Sean Russo,
CNBC,
9 Feb. 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
-
This piece leans into the jewelry aspect of watch-making, exuding a sense of opulence perfect for a night out.—
John Monaco,
InStyle,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Although many modern artists have used collage to navigate and interpret the impersonal detritus of mass culture, Canty’s work, with its understated sense of place, is quite different.—
Benjamin Lima
Special Contributor,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The PhD student, originally from Turkey and on a valid F-1 student visa, was shuttled through multiple states following her arrest and suffered a series of asthma attacks without adequate medical care, according to her attorneys.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Natural Grocers specializes in organic produce, dietary supplements and body care products.—
Francesca Pica,
jsonline.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Ultimately, peace cannot be defined by those who profit from war, occupation or political expedience.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Oct. 2025
-
That’s because the Fed’s credibility rests on its ability to make decisions driven by economic evidence, not political expedience.—
Joshua Stillwagon,
The Conversation,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prudence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prudence. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
