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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 Most other Fed officials think the more prudent move will be to wait and see what happens with the job market and tariff negotiations. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 7 May 2025 Listening to the draft board often feels prudent and reassuring. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2025 Out of an abundance of caution and the health of Mr. Santana, the decision to postpone the show was the most prudent course of action. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Apr. 2025 But most other Fed officials believe the prudent move would be to wait on lowering interest rates until there is a more material deterioration in labor markets. Rob Wile, NBC news, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prudent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prudent
Adjective
  • 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
  • Protect kids, whose skin is especially sensitive to UV damage Be cautious around water and sand, which reflect UV rays and increase exposure Check the UV index in your area for real-time guidance on sun safety To see the entire 2025 Annual Guide to Sunscreens report, click here.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 22 May 2025
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
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
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
Adjective
  • Beyond tariffs: Be judicious in your expansion plans.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Rays — For years, the Rays have managed to field contending teams through judicious under-the-radar trades by GM Erik Neander despite one of the lowest payrolls in baseball.
    Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025
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
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
Adjective
  • The betting is on when another tightening move is possible.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • If the patient is a child, the conversation will involve the family or caregiver when possible.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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