judicious

adjective

jü-ˈdi-shəs How to pronounce judicious (audio)
Definition of judiciousnext
1
as in intelligent
having or showing good judgment and restraint especially in conduct or speech a good teacher who knows how to give judicious criticism as well as praise

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in prudent
suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances I'll ask for the raise at a time I deem most judicious

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word judicious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of judicious are prudent, sage, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

When would prudent be a good substitute for judicious?

While the synonyms prudent and judicious are close in meaning, prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

Where would sage be a reasonable alternative to judicious?

The words sage and judicious can be used in similar contexts, but sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When could sane be used to replace judicious?

While in some cases nearly identical to judicious, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When is sapient a more appropriate choice than judicious?

In some situations, the words sapient and judicious are roughly equivalent. However, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When might sensible be a better fit than judicious?

The words sensible and judicious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

In what contexts can wise take the place of judicious?

Although the words wise and judicious have much in common, 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 judicious 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 When Newcastle needed a breather, Murphy was known to go down with a judicious injury. —George Caulkin, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for judicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for judicious
  1. intelligent
  2. prudent
  3. cautious
  4. wise
  5. discreet
  6. desirable
  7. tactical
Adjective
  • Designing the Future of AI Artificial intelligence is powering a new generation of tools that combine logic with intelligent action.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025
  • By freeing physicians from the need to be behind their computers during appointments, these intelligent assistants enable a more personal and engaging interaction with patients.
    — Rakhee Langer, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • Washington State's prudent financial governance stands in stark contrast to Washington DC's struggle with fiscal discipline.
    — Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • In each case, Simon stresses that best-available player not only is the safest approach but also the most prudent.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2025
Definition of prudent
Adjective
  • Younger teammates were cautious to approach him, mindful of his intense dedication to his process and wary of disrupting it.
    — Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • While there's no way to know who will have a reaction to the stings, Suiter says that anyone who carries an Epipen for other stinging insects should be exceptionally cautious.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
Definition of cautious
Adjective
  • Considering Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt are all in line for new deals soon, getting something done with Hutchinson sooner rather than later would be wise.
    — Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Which is wiser: Spending money on more firefighting resources after wildfires break out and absorbing the extraordinary cost of damages, or investing in technologies and training to prevent wildfires from happening in the first place?
    — Abhishek Singh, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of wise
Adjective
  • Almost a decade later, Ionescu faced the Bay Area’s new WNBA team for the first time, and had a relatively discreet eight-point, six-assist, five-rebound night, numbers that severely underrate her impact.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 28 May 2025
  • There’s a Shanghai outpost of its discreet Stefano Ricci club for its community of top-spending clients who spend around €50K-€5 million a year; another is earmarked to open soon in Beijing.
    — Gemma A. Williams, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of discreet
Adjective
  • There is no obvious spot for two more games on the opening weekend that would provide a desirable, exclusive TV window.
    — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Dear Liz: My husband and I built a home on a hillside over 30 years ago in a desirable neighborhood with a beautiful view.
    — Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025
Definition of desirable
Adjective
  • Relying on a single revenue stream, funding partner or tactical approach is increasingly risky.
    — Kirsten Wegner, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • The second quality is psychological: his tactical reading of the game.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Definition of tactical

Browse Nearby Words

judiciary
judicious
judiciously
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Cite this Entry

“Judicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/judicious. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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