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
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
-
Lopez also has an ambitious and uninhibited way of speaking that is far removed from the prudence of players from older generations.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
4 July 2025
-
While this action may convince some that China is a paper tiger, for others, especially Iran’s Arab rivals, it is seen as a sign of prudence.—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
In over-the-top Cancun fashion, the property boasts a 40,000-square-foot spa, though its deep grounding in the traditional treatments and ancient wisdom of the region gives it purpose and peace.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
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As a father, Jonathan seeks to guide his son in the best possible ways, providing wisdom, humor and support whenever needed.—
Kyle Thomas,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Ninety-eight games are enough to get a sense of where the A’s stand heading into the All-Star break.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
14 July 2025
-
These questions are helping businesses turn everyday items into brand moments and, in some cases, into movements created through commonality and a sense of community. 5.—
Douglas Gregory,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
The same substantive deficits afflict Louise-Parker, too, whose bright eyes and brusque wit are wasted in a role that’s villainous potential exists only in exposition.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
13 July 2025
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Stripped of her powers under a red sun, Supergirl must rely on her grit, compassion and wits to guide Ruthye on a path of vengeance and justice, ultimately confronting the nature of violence and power.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
The official said that Israel had shared the intelligence with President Donald Trump but was preparing to strike with or without a green light or participation from the United States and that American support was not a condition for Israel’s decision to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities.—
Andrea Mitchell,
NBC news,
11 July 2025
-
Suter thrived as a middle-six center in Vancouver, but also has high enough offensive intelligence to complement star players as a top-six winger.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nous. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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