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
Examples of prudence in a Sentence
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
He’s now deemed heroic in adhering to the Seven Virtues -- faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.
—
Brian T. Allen, National Review, 24 Apr. 2025
There is a fine line between prudence and penny-pinching.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
What a mistake to penalize prudence with a tax levied on retirement savers acting with extraordinary prudence.
—John Tamny, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
That record is a testament to the party’s pragmatism and prudence.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prudence
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Brian T. Allen, National Review, 24 Apr. 2025
There is a fine line between prudence and penny-pinching.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
What a mistake to penalize prudence with a tax levied on retirement savers acting with extraordinary prudence.
—John Tamny, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
That record is a testament to the party’s pragmatism and prudence.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prudence
Cite this Entry
“Prudence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prudence. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prudence
noun
pru·dence
ˈprüd-ᵊn(t)s
1
: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason
2
: skill and good judgment in the management of affairs
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
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