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
-
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
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Conservatism is rooted in ancient principles of character, virtue and dignity beyond immediate political expediency.—
Abby McCloskey,
Twin Cities,
7 May 2026
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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
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In his new Audible Original, the 46-year-old actor and comedian combines humor and wisdom to share the most valuable lessons he's learned from parenthood.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
4 June 2026
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At Miraval Berkshires, guests are immersed in an intimate, nature-rich setting that invites connection, whether that means getting to know others, engaging with our expert specialists, exploring team challenges, or participating in ceremonies grounded in traditional wisdom.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
Noun
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Continue reading … DANGER BELOW — Flesh-eating bacteria detected near luxury vacation homes as experts urge caution.—
,
FOXNews.com,
8 June 2026
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One public commenter, Vivian Dunbar, urged caution before the vote.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 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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With it, comes a public sense of ownership of its most important characters.—
Sheena McKenzie,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
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Lundgren shares some wise words about how being a man is more than muscles, and about getting in front of himself — which doesn't make sense at the time, but will later.—
Gerrad Hall,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 June 2026
Noun
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The In-Home Supportive Services program helps disabled and elderly people remain in their houses by providing in-home care.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
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So the team studied medical practice laws in other states, actions by their medical boards involving alternative medicine and board orders for substandard care.—
Carrie Teegardin,
AJC.com,
8 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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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 11 Jun. 2026.
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