prudence

noun

ˈprü-dᵊn(t)s How to pronounce prudence (audio)
Definition of prudencenext
1
as in carefulness
a close attentiveness to avoiding danger advised to use some old-fashioned prudence when agreeing to meet face-to-face with an online acquaintance

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in expediency
suitability for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances prudence would call for a little more caution in such a delicate situation

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3
as in wisdom
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters in the long run, prudence will pay off more often than taking wild risks

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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 prudence The five points of the star represent the characteristics of a good citizen, which are fortitude, loyalty, righteousness, prudence, and broadmindedness. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026 The World Economic Forum calls it financial nihilism — the conclusion that the system no longer rewards prudence, driving a cohort toward crypto bets, prediction markets, and raided retirement accounts. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026 Considering there were only 33 appearances this past season, such Heat prudence hardly could be viewed as insulting. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026 This raised interest rates to punishing levels just as fiscal prudence was being tossed aside. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for prudence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prudence
  1. carefulness
  2. expediency
  3. wisdom
  4. caution
  5. judiciousness
  6. sense
  7. care
  8. expedience
Noun
  • This carefulness is clearly strategic.
    — Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • There was no carefulness in it.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Definition of carefulness
Noun
  • The expediency helps the series, developed by Nick Santora based on Lee Child’s books, to stay on a yearly cadence.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
  • With competition so fierce in the race to build and release the latest AI models however, the expediency of shaving off every possible drag on speed trumps all.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of expediency
Noun
  • Two crazy ass years have gone by (fast af) and my travels have left me, at 28, with a little more wisdom, more guts and ALOT more shoes!
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 12 Oct. 2026
  • In the video, giving viewers a tour of his grand creation like a latter-day Robert Moses, Tomlin seems blissed out, like the keeper of some ancient wisdom.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • The result is a power train that feels beautifully matched to the car’s available grip and suspension tuning, creating a sense of balance that encourages exploration rather than caution.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Energy is where the tension between optimism and caution remains sharpest.
    — Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of caution
Noun
  • In both countries, investment outcomes depend heavily on national conditions, including the strength of capital markets, workforce, infrastructure, and the judiciousness of laws and regulations.
    — SADEK WAHBA, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2025
Definition of judiciousness
Noun
  • Investors should also look at a fund's 30-day SEC yield to get a sense of what the company is generating in terms of income.
    — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Government buildings were vandalized in multiple cities, contributing to a sense of national crisis that could boost leading far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen six months before elections.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • While we are relieved that Heidi has received medical care and is safe, we are outraged by this unwarranted attack on a journalist doing her job and urge a thorough investigation and follow-through from authorities.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The foundation has also supported Dell Children’s Medical Center, which opened in 2007, and the Dell Pediatric Research Institute, helping expand access to specialized children’s care and medical research in the region.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of care
Noun
  • Paeans to matters of the flesh — birthmarks, necks, genitals, odors, butt hair, the asymmetry of noses — accumulate thrilling details without worrying overmuch about expedience.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
  • That’s a multi-year explanation disguised as the expedience of the half-hour rush that came Monday.
    — Sam McDowell Updated March 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2026
Definition of expedience

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prudent
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Cite this Entry

“Prudence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prudence. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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