judicious

adjective

jü-ˈdi-shəs How to pronounce judicious (audio)
Definition of judiciousnext
1
as in intelligent
having or showing good judgment and restraint especially in conduct or speech a good teacher who knows how to give judicious criticism as well as praise

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in prudent
suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances I'll ask for the raise at a time I deem most judicious

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word judicious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of judicious are prudent, sage, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

When would prudent be a good substitute for judicious?

While the synonyms prudent and judicious are close in meaning, prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

Where would sage be a reasonable alternative to judicious?

The words sage and judicious can be used in similar contexts, but sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When could sane be used to replace judicious?

While in some cases nearly identical to judicious, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When is sapient a more appropriate choice than judicious?

In some situations, the words sapient and judicious are roughly equivalent. However, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When might sensible be a better fit than judicious?

The words sensible and judicious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

In what contexts can wise take the place of judicious?

Although the words wise and judicious have much in common, 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 judicious Erik Spoelstra said the Heat would be judicious. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2026 Caretakers need to be more considered and judicious in their language — something Solskjaer made a point of being in 2018. —Chris McKenna, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026 Drizzle with a judicious amount of chili oil (or pass chili oil at the table and have diners drizzle on the hot stuff to suit their taste). —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 24 Nov. 2025 To keep it so, however, homeowners should take a judicious approach. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for judicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for judicious
  1. intelligent
  2. prudent
  3. cautious
  4. wise
  5. discreet
  6. desirable
  7. tactical
Adjective
  • Its intelligent brake and reverse (iBR) system adds specific control when slowing down or maneuvering around objects or when docking, along with different ride modes that let the rider chill (or sharpen) the throttle response depending on conditions.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
  • On Friday, the company plans to shutter its GPT-4o model — widely considered the most emotionally intelligent on the market, and often used for individuals’ companions.
    — Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • One factor was investments in human capital, coupled with prudent economic policies.
    — Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • None restore the fundamental connection between prudent choice and personal benefit that would make the system self-correcting.
    — Jared Rhoads, STAT, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of prudent
Adjective
  • Be cautious about taking on new debt that assumes your current income is guaranteed.
    — Matt Shumer, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Connecticut education leaders are expressing cautious optimism as the state Department of Education tries its hand at course development.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of cautious
Adjective
  • This show has been so amazing for us, not just friendship-wise and getting so close to each other, but also being a part of something that people love.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The sad thing is the Dolphins, in a wise effort to build the trenches during the past two years, have used lots of draft capital (left tackle Patrick Paul was a 2024 second-round pick and left guard Jonah Savaiinaea was a 2025 second-round pick) in that area.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of wise
Adjective
  • Each sock features a discreet zippered pocket on the calf, just big enough to fit a credit card, a hotel key, or a wad of cash.
    — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
  • These are not shoes that seek to be discreet or even reinvent the wheel—they’re simply a reminder that fashion can, and should, be fun.
    — Alex Sales, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of discreet
Adjective
  • This is especially true for homes that are move-in ready and in desirable locations.
    — Tim Maxwell, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Fennell inherently understood what makes these characters so desirable.
    — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of desirable
Adjective
  • The No Secret Police Act banned local law enforcement officers, officers from other states and federal law enforcement personnel from wearing masks except in specific circumstances — such as in tactical, SWAT or undercover operations.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • In terms of tactical trading, the strategist noted that short interest levels in software are at record levels, while hedge funds are currently favoring AI semiconductors over software, a setup that the bank says skews the balance of risks toward an imminent rebound.
    — Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of tactical

Browse Nearby Words

judiciary
judicious
judiciously
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Cite this Entry

“Judicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/judicious. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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