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 Whites from Burgundy generally have a judicious use of oak and the right balance of texture, freshness, and complexity to pair with your favorite dishes. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2026 Even so, the building’s history promotes some judicious skepticism. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 Feb. 2026 Starbucks didn’t raise prices in its 2025 fiscal year and has vowed to be judicious about future increases. —Dee-Ann Durbin, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026 The latter offers a more judicious form of clemency, but only on a parsimonious, individual basis. —Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 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
  • If dinosaurs were strong and intelligent — if humans didn’t really deserve to inherit the Earth from them — then their death in a cosmic freak accident represents unimaginable loss.
    — Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
  • For years, now, we have been forced to tap, swipe, and scan in an outdated infrastructure, built for a pre-intelligent era.
    — Alex Israel, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • That move, which may have seemed prudent at the time, ended up killing off the TFG’s chances.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Local launch traffic will likely be heavy, so leaving yourself hours of flexibility is prudent.
    — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of prudent
Adjective
  • Be cautious of calls or emails claiming to be from your bank asking for verification or urgent action.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Be cautious — but don’t write off rattlesnakes as vicious, the experts say.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of cautious
Adjective
  • The Reds have been a pleasant surprise in the Eastern Conference of MLS and are comfortably in the mix of top east teams, standings wise.
    — Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Flavor-wise, both the Molten Lava Cake and Strawberry Burst were pleasant, but less singularly memorable than the Cinnamon Caramel Pop-Tart.
    — Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of wise
Adjective
  • Play your cards right, and the most inconsequential detail in your wardrobe could be your biggest flex yet—a discreet way to wear one of the most sophisticated timekeepers ever made.
    — Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Unlike traditional clogs, or even Crocs, which serve a similar purpose, these clogs’ ventilated upper is more discreet with smaller holes — a trait that more understated, casual dressers will love.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of discreet
Adjective
  • Brushes, on the other hand, dry out much more quickly, creating a less desirable environment for bacteria to breed.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Build knowledge carefully, and desirable results should follow.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of desirable
Adjective
  • When the chase passed NW 150th Street and Portland Avenue, a deputy unsuccessfully performed a tactical vehicle intervention, which led the woman to ram into the deputy's vehicle and continue to flee.
    — Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 1 Apr. 2026
  • That leaves open the possibility that any outreach could be tactical, fragmented, or even contradictory.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 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 6 Apr. 2026.

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