prudence

noun

ˈprü-dᵊn(t)s How to pronounce prudence (audio)
Definition of prudencenext
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

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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

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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

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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 Considering there were only 33 appearances this past season, such Heat prudence hardly could be viewed as insulting. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026 This raised interest rates to punishing levels just as fiscal prudence was being tossed aside. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026 Strength and prudence are not the same thing. — S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 27 May 2026 That prudence by supporters of the center, including County Commissioner Raquel Regalado and Judge Steve Leifman, is now being used against them to keep the center in limbo. — Jim Defede, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prudence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prudence
  1. carefulness
  2. expediency
  3. wisdom
  4. caution
  5. judiciousness
  6. sense
  7. care
  8. expedience
Noun
  • This carefulness is clearly strategic.
    — Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • There was no carefulness in it.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Definition of carefulness
Noun
  • With competition so fierce in the race to build and release the latest AI models however, the expediency of shaving off every possible drag on speed trumps all.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The desire for expediency—get-rich-quick schemes—almost inevitably leads to disaster, as the lure of wealth often culminates in despair—a roller-coaster lifestyle—without a methodical result-yielding strategy.
    — David Capablanca, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of expediency
Noun
  • The researchers came away divided on the quality of the science and the wisdom of the approach.
    — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Owls are a symbol of the transition between life and death and wisdom and knowledge.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • For now, video officials will be limited to categorical errors, such as a second caution given to a player for handball when replays prove the ball hit them in the face.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Take caution when walking around here; the rocks can be slippery and waves have swept people out to sea.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of caution
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
Definition of judiciousness
Noun
  • The Voyager starts to make more sense when the bike also needs to handle groceries, school gear, or part of the morning drop-off routine.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • For communities facing population loss, an aging workforce, or struggling to retain young professionals and skilled workers, attracting new residents can make economic sense.
    — Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • But even when care is available, stigma can still present a huge barrier.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Alja, who works at an elder care facility, is a bit too eager to host the freeloading Maruša.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of care
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of expedience

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Cite this Entry

“Prudence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prudence. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of prudence for Spanish Speakers

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