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Synonym Chooser

How is the word prudent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of prudent are judicious, sage, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

Where would judicious be a reasonable alternative to prudent?

In some situations, the words judicious and prudent are roughly equivalent. However, judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

In what contexts can sage take the place of prudent?

The synonyms sage and prudent are sometimes interchangeable, but sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When would sane be a good substitute for prudent?

The words sane and prudent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When can sapient be used instead of prudent?

While in some cases nearly identical to prudent, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When could sensible be used to replace prudent?

The meanings of sensible and prudent largely overlap; however, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

When is it sensible to use wise instead of prudent?

While the synonyms wise and prudent are close in meaning, wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

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 prudent Heat’s Udonis Haslem says amid Kevin Durant speculation: ‘The situation in Miami will work’ ASK IRA: Is a Heat waiting game with Herro, Jovic extensions the prudent approach? Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2025 To understand their risk, prudent CISOs will try to find confidential data before their users unknowingly break the system. Chris Stegh, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 Knowing what's ahead, nearly every single golfer agreed taking even par would be prudent. Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025 If Trump were to decide that reforming FEMA were a more prudent choice than scrapping it, ideas abound. Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for prudent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prudent
Adjective
  • The prospect of higher inflation even as present data looks mild has led to a staredown between the Fed, which has advocated for a cautious approach on cutting interest rates in case tariffs do worsen inflation, and Trump, who has aggressively called for big cuts.
    Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • That’s a problem for investors, who regard Powell as a serious, cautious economist who operates independently of Trump’s political desires.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Washington eventually adopted more sensible approaches that mobilized the resources of key allies, developed a wiser balance between conventional and nuclear tools, and assumed a less confrontational attitude toward Moscow.
    JENNIFER LIND, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • Those who are successful in the job market learn how to embrace tradeoffs to make wise choices.
    Michael B. Horn, Time, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • This demographic is intelligent, tech-savvy and often more financially empowered than younger consumers.
    Lara Devgan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The intelligent noblewoman, played by Michelle Dockery, appears to have everything under control in the new trailer for the third and final Downton Abbey film.
    Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Macaluso, too, suggests that rather than fighting over redfish, sportsmen ought to expand their notions of which fish are desirable.
    Boyce Upholt, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025
  • These two effects are desirable for reducing heart health risks.
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Like many former holdouts, Kevin felt that his judicious use of A.I. was more defensible than his peers’ use of it.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • The way to do it is with judicious use of strong contrast colours, and that’s exactly what Nike has done here, with those pinks, blues and reds underneath the armpits and down the side of the shorts.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • When Doku opened the scoring in the ninth minute, Guardiola, with his hands as tactical puppets, was seen having a detailed talk with his striker on the bench.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • For Williams, the partnership is both tactical and deeply aligned.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • For $2,100 per day, Royal Expression Travels provides an SUV or sedan with a driver at your beck and call to arrange anything from last-minute diamond shopping or rerouting helicopters to a discreet helipad.
    Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Tanha said Mahomes and Kelce specifically requested a private dining room with a discreet entrance.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • The town of Porter is committed to keeping its dispatch center with Chesterton as long as possible.
    Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
  • Because there was such little evidence, state police said further forensic testing was not possible.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prudent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prudent. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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