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
Having both adequate owners’ capital against insolvency and deposit reserves against illiquidity were voluntary prudence early in this historical evolution.
—
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
What abundance in your faces, what prudence in your steady gait!
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
The state police Troop H barracks are nearby but prudence suggested assigning a State Police trooper to the building would be best way to provide an immediate response to a problem.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026
Action is delayed in the name of prudence.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prudence
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
What abundance in your faces, what prudence in your steady gait!
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
The state police Troop H barracks are nearby but prudence suggested assigning a State Police trooper to the building would be best way to provide an immediate response to a problem.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026
Action is delayed in the name of prudence.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prudence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prudence
Noun
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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
-
There is the inevitable temptation to sacrifice virtue for convenience, to exchange our highest ideals for the false promise of expediency.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
-
But years of racial pandering had created a too-big tent, enlarged in the name of electoral expediency, that offered dark corners for despicable ideologies.—
Tom Nichols,
The Atlantic,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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For now, Buchanon is just focused on learning the scheme, his teammates and trying to impart some wisdom on the Horned Frogs’ younger offensive linemen.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
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As her mother, Linda Emond's Susan gets only a few moments to shine — and milks every single one for all its worth, doling out wince-worthy advice rooted in real (if outdated) wisdom, as many mothers do.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Depending on the audience, Altman has used this analogy to encourage either acceleration or caution.—
Ronan Farrow,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 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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Often, this is a useful guideline, and limits, in general, are very much the friend of the fiction writer, but there are certain stories that benefit from a sense of instability.—
Nina Mesfin,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The vibe is certainly formal, but in the stylish sense of the word—don’t be afraid to make conversation with the friendly concierge or front desk staff.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Prosecutors said the court issued an order preventing him from owning, possessing or having any animals in his care or custody.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
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Noah James, who plays Andrew, and Vanessa Benavente, who plays Mother Mary, both said the crew takes great care in making sure everything looks and feels authentic.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Apr. 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 11 Apr. 2026.
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