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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 nous
He's credited Pep Guardiola for his tactical nous in the past, but that doesn't explain away Sevilla.
—
SI.com, 2 Oct. 2019
While John Stones is equally good in possession, the 25-year-old has not yet developed Alderweireld's defensive nous, which should come with age and experience.
—SI.com, 15 Aug. 2019
His defensive nous allows the creativity to flow freely from virtuoso talents such as Eden Hazard and Luka Modric.
—SI.com, 5 Sep. 2019
The 37-year-old has built a strong reputation for his tactical nous since retiring from playing.
—SI.com, 24 June 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
Some creative nous, some flair – something to get England fans off their bloody seats for the first time in years.
—SI.com, 21 Mar. 2018
The nous of captain Lee Wallace, the longest serving current Rangers player at seven years, was sorely missed today.
—SI.com, 30 Apr. 2018
His establishment nous notwithstanding, Mr Pompeo is not playing Mr Trump so much as finding common cause with him.
—The Economist, 15 Mar. 2018
SI.com, 2 Oct. 2019
While John Stones is equally good in possession, the 25-year-old has not yet developed Alderweireld's defensive nous, which should come with age and experience.
—SI.com, 15 Aug. 2019
His defensive nous allows the creativity to flow freely from virtuoso talents such as Eden Hazard and Luka Modric.
—SI.com, 5 Sep. 2019
The 37-year-old has built a strong reputation for his tactical nous since retiring from playing.
—SI.com, 24 June 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
Some creative nous, some flair – something to get England fans off their bloody seats for the first time in years.
—SI.com, 21 Mar. 2018
The nous of captain Lee Wallace, the longest serving current Rangers player at seven years, was sorely missed today.
—SI.com, 30 Apr. 2018
His establishment nous notwithstanding, Mr Pompeo is not playing Mr Trump so much as finding common cause with him.
—The Economist, 15 Mar. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nous
Noun
-
Looking Ahead Like previous iterations, this year’s letter highlighted Berkshire’s ability to adapt to changing economic conditions while sticking to its core principles of value investing and financial prudence.—
Garth Friesen,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
-
Lamont is expected to call for Connecticut to maintain its fiscal prudence balanced with strategic investments in various programs.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Their blueprint—proximity to problems, building a long-term approach, hope-building, erasing the self, and welcoming change—offers wisdom for addressing challenges from corporate boardrooms to community organizations.—
Tarun Galagali,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Cass Goodner, in his wisdom, did not share their enthusiasm.—
Frank C. Hibben,
Outdoor Life,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Kirsch said the shooting didn’t just shatter the sense of safety and security locally.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2025
-
But there is the sense that what's happening is bigger than both of them.—
Jake Kring-Schreifels,
TIME,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Max Homa, the six-time PGA Tour winner known for his razor-sharp wit and clutch performances on the course, has been going through a tough time lately.—
Russel Honoré,
Newsweek,
6 Mar. 2025
-
Black Bag succeeds on its chilly wit, and on the cool, nervy appeal of its two stars.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
TIME,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
We're not limited to making suggestions in the boardroom; our (ideas) extend deeply into an enterprise's daily operations, encompassing brand building, channel expansion, marketing, insights into consumer trends, digital transformation and the establishment of business intelligence systems.—
Russell Flannery,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Trump said after he was asked about the potential for intelligence cooperation.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nous. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share