prudence
noun
pru·dence ˈprü-dᵊn(t)s 
1
: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason
2
: sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs
3
: skill and good judgment in the use of resources
4
: caution or circumspection as to danger or risk
Synonyms
- alertness
- care
- carefulness
- caution
- cautiousness
- chariness
- circumspection
- gingerliness
- guardedness
- heedfulness
- wariness
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
He always exercises prudence with his finances. advised to use some old-fashioned prudence when agreeing to meet face-to-face with an online acquaintance
Recent Examples on the Web Reserve, self-containment, duty, responsibility, modesty of demeanor, graciousness, civility, prudence, fortitude. 
Daniel Henninger, WSJ, 14 Sep. 2022 Pro-lifers should respond to this defeat with courage and prudence. The Editors, National Review, 4 Aug. 2022 The company thinks that only about 1 percent of cars are affected, but prudence requires replacing them all. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 9 Aug. 2022 But blurring the line between a contemporary yet cozy home and Pacific Northwest beauty wasn’t without prudence. Kristin Scharkey, Sunset Magazine, 13 July 2022 But any public jubilation was tempered by the guiding principle of Bush’s career—prudence. Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 27 June 2022 Barany began off the record, trying again to convince Florence of the prudence of a settlement. Bryce Covert, The New Republic, 5 July 2022 Splendor and indigence are equally familiar to him; prudence and shame are equally alien. Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 20 June 2022 By dint of prudence and a few passes at the dog races, Mrs. Harris just might raise the dosh for a junket across the Channel and a shopping spree. Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 12 July 2022 See More
Daniel Henninger, WSJ, 14 Sep. 2022 Pro-lifers should respond to this defeat with courage and prudence. The Editors, National Review, 4 Aug. 2022 The company thinks that only about 1 percent of cars are affected, but prudence requires replacing them all. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 9 Aug. 2022 But blurring the line between a contemporary yet cozy home and Pacific Northwest beauty wasn’t without prudence. Kristin Scharkey, Sunset Magazine, 13 July 2022 But any public jubilation was tempered by the guiding principle of Bush’s career—prudence. Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 27 June 2022 Barany began off the record, trying again to convince Florence of the prudence of a settlement. Bryce Covert, The New Republic, 5 July 2022 Splendor and indigence are equally familiar to him; prudence and shame are equally alien. Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 20 June 2022 By dint of prudence and a few passes at the dog races, Mrs. Harris just might raise the dosh for a junket across the Channel and a shopping spree. Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 12 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin prudentia, alteration of providentia — more at providence
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
prudence
noun
pru·dence ˈprü-dᵊns
: careful good judgment that allows someone to avoid danger or risks
Legal Definition
prudence
noun
pru·dence ˈprüd-ᵊns
: attentiveness to possible hazard : caution or circumspection as to danger or risk
a person of ordinary prudence
prudence
noun
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- carefulness
- caution
- circumspection
- care
- cautiousness
- attentiveness
- wariness
- alertness
- vigilance
- guardedness
- watchfulness
- heedfulness
- observance
- shrewdness
- chariness
- foresight
- providence
- gingerliness
- deliberation
- calculation
- deliberateness
- foresightedness
- canniness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- recklessness
- carelessness
- heedlessness
- brashness
- rashness
- hastiness
- impetuousness
- suddenness
- abruptness
- thoughtlessness
- inconsiderateness
- incaution
- inconsideration
- incautiousness
- unwariness
- precipitousness
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- expediency
- judiciousness
- expedience
- wisdom
- desirableness
- desirability
- advisability
- feasibility
- advantageousness
- practicality
- usefulness
- profitability
- advisableness
- timeliness
- opportuneness
- beneficialness
- seasonableness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- imprudence
- unwisdom
- inexpediency
- inadvisability
- impracticality
- infeasibility
- injudiciousness
- inexpedience
- untimeliness
- inopportuneness
- unseasonableness
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- wisdom
- sense
- wit
- discretion
- sensibleness
- intelligence
- levelheadedness
- policy
- logicality
- judgment
- discreetness
- insight
- caution
- gumption
- brains
- common sense
- logicalness
- nous
- horse sense
- practicality
- sagacity
- rationality
- foresight
- circumspection
- foresightedness
- farsightedness
- shrewdness
- discernment
- judgement
- astuteness
- acumen
- perspicacity
- gray matter
- precaution
- care
- discrimination
- street smarts
- clearheadedness
- sapience
- forehandedness
- forethoughtfulness
- keenness
- penetration
- premeditation
- rationalness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- imprudence
- indiscretion
- shortsightedness
- carelessness
- foolishness
- stupidity
- idiocy
- unreasonableness
- heedlessness
- senselessness
- brainlessness
- half-wittedness