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 That might well be a sign of prudence on the part of fashion brands, which have been trying to boost full-price sales by not over-ordering inventory. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026 Short-term rates went to 5% and change, Treasury bills paid more than investment grade corporates, and savers who had spent fifteen years being punished for prudence suddenly got paid handsomely for doing nothing. — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The five points of the star represent the characteristics of a good citizen, which are fortitude, loyalty, righteousness, prudence, and broadmindedness. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026 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 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
  • The expediency helps the series, developed by Nick Santora based on Lee Child’s books, to stay on a yearly cadence.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of expediency
Noun
  • The Democrat, who supports Jackson, thinks there’s wisdom in trying to avoid gaffes that distract from Collins.
    — Julia Terruso, Time, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Peralta’s revival shows how postseason fortunes can defy conventional baseball wisdom and earn second chances for players.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • Chemical peels This caution about many skin-care acids extends to chemical peels, which are usually made from a combination of acids in high concentrations.
    — Kara McGrath, Allure, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Given the Muse success, one of our causes for caution coming into the print was the related increase in costs needed to get the AI agent to full ramp.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 22 Oct. 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 tightness of White’s control over his arrangements can occasionally foreclose the sense of chaotic freedom inherent to his more collaborative efforts.
    — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • This approach was meant to counter Vucic's one-man rule and restore a sense of community and solidarity.
    — JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Those figures largely predate the state’s move to universal free child care, which began in November 2025 and is funded by an oil and gas windfall.
    — Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • In a bucket hat and without a care in the world, Murray speaks kindly but candidly about making his buddy Coyne’s TV dream come true.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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