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
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
Arnold’s original prudence was followed by overspending.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for prudence
Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026
Action is delayed in the name of prudence.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Arnold’s original prudence was followed by overspending.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026
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
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
-
And in all matters large and small, progressives could substitute their own wisdom for the wisdom of God.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The event will focus on wisdom and wellness, featuring engaging speakers, meaningful conversations, and breathtaking coastal views paired with exceptional cuisine, according to a news release.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management advised the public to secure loose outdoor items, watch for falling branches, and use caution while driving or walking.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The fog makes travel difficult, leading the NWS to advise extra caution when on the road, or to avoid driving.—
Chad Murphy,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
16 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
-
Much of the crowd has–or knows someone who has, contributed to the sense of community that permeates the space.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
-
As a three-term Mecklenburg County commissioner, my daily concern is delivering common-sense solutions to our problems as efficiently as possible to keep the tax rate low.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Child-care fraud in Minnesota is one of many examples, and Minnesota is only one of many states with lax control of welfare spending.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The survey, which takes about one to two minutes to complete, invites parents and primary caregivers to share their experiences with child care, pediatric and mental health access, cost of living, long commutes and other everyday challenges.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
16 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 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
