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

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 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
  • 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
  • In light of the strong growth and inflation figures, the BOK would likely need to continue to raise rates, albeit with some caution, said Frederic Neumann, chief Asia economist at HSBC.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • His predictions mostly involved preaching to the AI evangelist choir, and his fervor for the tech evidently led him to throw caution to the winds of Wall Street.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 27 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
  • In its evaluation, the committee cited the film’s polished craftsmanship and the clarity of its directorial vision, pointing to the tone and mise-en-scène that sustain a sense of pressure throughout the story.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
  • To channel this sense of joyful minimalism, pair a bold color with playful accents, rich textures, and meaningful décor that brings personality to the space without overwhelming it.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Flowers like geraniums, coleus, and lavender are easy to propagate and maintain with proper care indoors.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Slate chips replace the usual bark or mulch, and layered plantings, custom window boxes and a medallion set into the rear of the fireplace show the same level of care found indoors.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 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

Browse Nearby Words

prude
prudence
prudent
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prudence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prudence. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All