NOUS Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

nous

noun

Definition of nous

chiefly British

as in prudence

the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters an Oxford don who was long on erudition but a little short on everyday nous

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of nous The assessment contradicts Western conventional wisdom that Moscow has approached the conflict more as a meat grinder than with strategic nous. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2025 Alonso's coaching career has been turbocharged by his impressive tactical nous, which was the driving factor in the success of a Bayer Leverkusen side substantially less well-resourced than its rivals. — Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 He's credited Pep Guardiola for his tactical nous in the past, but that doesn't explain away Sevilla. — SI.com, 2 Oct. 2019 The industry will have to use its considerable commercial nous to hit its growth targets if Brexit provokes a deep rupture with the EU. — The Economist, 3 May 2018 See All Example Sentences for nous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nous

Noun

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
In those conditions, United’s prudence makes financial sense.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of prudence

Noun

From a team perspective, the general wisdom is to sign building-block players for as long as possible.

— Max Bultman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Jim Ross will also share his fishing wisdom and give away a half-day fishing experience on the Indian River valued at $400 during each seminar.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of wisdom

Noun

Ravens and crows have also represented intelligence, knowledge, transformation, and even creation in cultures around the world.

— Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026
Both sides stressed that the use of intelligence and electrification technology is an important focus for working together.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026