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Synonym Chooser

How is the word prudent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of prudent are judicious, sage, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

Where would judicious be a reasonable alternative to prudent?

In some situations, the words judicious and prudent are roughly equivalent. However, judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

In what contexts can sage take the place of prudent?

The synonyms sage and prudent are sometimes interchangeable, but sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When would sane be a good substitute for prudent?

The words sane and prudent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When can sapient be used instead of prudent?

While in some cases nearly identical to prudent, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When could sensible be used to replace prudent?

The meanings of sensible and prudent largely overlap; however, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

When is it sensible to use wise instead of prudent?

While the synonyms wise and prudent are close in meaning, wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

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 prudent During a State of the City presentation at the Delta Theater, Brentwood Mayor Susannah Meyer and the council cited responsible planning, prudent financial decisions, and active community engagement as the pillars that Brentwood will rely on to bring continuous growth to the city. Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025 Therefore, although premia remain elevated, hedging may be the prudent course. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025 The decisions of the richest in Washington are not being made with careful evaluation, experienced judgment and prudent action. Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025 The Corleones might suggest keeping friends close and enemies closer — a rule of thumb that proved prudent for Costello as well. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prudent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prudent
Adjective
  • At times, that can mean there’s reason to be optimistic or perhaps to be cautious about a hot start.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Collins said Republicans also need to be cautious about slashing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food benefits to low-income families, another budget-cutting target identified by fiscal conservatives.
    Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Word to the wise: the end credits are more like a Marvel movie as they are interrupted by a longish extra scene that includes a special cast member, blues legend Buddy Guy, plus yet another musical number at the end of credits.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Consulting with a financial advisor experienced in bear markets may also be wise.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Untangling a relationship with SpaceX Some of the most intelligent questions came from US Sen. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025
  • As generative AI continues to mature, the convergence of language models with mechanical design and control optimization points toward a future of mass customization and intelligent automation, where commanding a robot may be as simple as describing it.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Teamwork, socialization, and other types of in-person connection are what workers cite as the most desirable aspects of choosing an office over working from home.
    Ryan Anderson, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Located just west of K-7 Highway and south of College Boulevard, Prairie Canyon is set in one of the most desirable locations, blending scenic beauty with easy access to local amenities.
    Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Make sure to use politeness while prompting, though do not go overboard and be judicious in such wording.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The district now appears to be more judicious in imposing long-term removals, reserving them for serious, potentially dangerous infractions.
    Bryant Furlow, ProPublica, 12 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Victor Osimhen has been highlighted as the ideal tactical fit for United thanks to his ability to do what Ruben Amorim’s side have particularly struggled at: putting the ball in the back of the net.
    Ali Rampling, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • While others juggled safety cars, strategy gambles, and crumbling tyre sets, the 24-year-old turned tactical advantage into a masterclass.
    Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Though the camerawork is relatively discreet, the imagination all too easily fills in any gory details the eye can’t see.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
  • His aunt looks directly at Farah, making no effort to be discreet.
    David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Spectators got wind of the sensible footwear concealed by the Fiesta finery and began demanding to see the shoes.
    Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The only sensible pathway to being an AI Continent would be to promise that AI innovation is the highest priority.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prudent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prudent. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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