Definition of judiciousnext

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 But these visual depictions of faith, and of the young protagonist’s inflated self-image, are also strengthened by Clichy’s judicious use of sound. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 19 May 2026 Korean comedy can often veer broad and wacky, but Na’s handle on it is always judicious. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026 Expect judicious use of mangos once the summer truly gets underway. Connie Ogle updated May 15, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026 This makes seasoning a bit difficult to maintain, and requires some attention and judicious use of an infrared thermometer to monitor surface temps. Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for judicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for judicious
Adjective
  • The robot staff behind the scenes Pudu's FlashBot will run an intelligent vending system, allowing guests to order drink deliveries by smartphone.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • His after-game interviews were always intelligent and sometimes humorous.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Not only did the Sabres not have the cap room for either one of those deals, but neither one would have been prudent with Buffalo’s long-term vision in mind.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Josh Hawley of Florida and Brian Kemp of Georgia, a little distance might prove prudent.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Consumer confidence ticked up in June after weeks of anxiety tied to the conflict, though people remain cautious as worries about jobs and prices persist.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2026
  • Gymshark’s growth has slowed as competition has intensified and consumers have become more cautious about spending.
    Robert Olsen, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Historically, the spring editions of the Paris men’s trade shows have been less significant business-wise than shows for fall collections, but that is shifting.
    Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
  • Still, there are moments when stepping back is the wiser act of stewardship, for both the owner and the business.
    Scott Hanson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • And for anyone who loves a good celebrity wedding, the Kelce-Swift union has been something of a masterclass in how to throw a huge party that may not be discreet but certainly has style.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • Inside at Revel Lounge, half the après crowd sips cocktails in robes and slippers while the other half have logged back on with work and are huddled away in the bar’s many discreet nooks and corners.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • When using chemical methods to kill the shrub, be sure to protect desirable plants from overspray.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
  • Instead of looking only for escapements or technical innovation, Newman encourages appreciation of cases, dials, proportions, engraving, and overall design—the same qualities that define today’s most desirable independent watches.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • The statute would ban covered officers from wearing masks or shielding their identities while on duty and interacting with the public, with exceptions including medical masks, religious coverings, certain tactical equipment and hazardous conditions.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Taylor Swift wedding security ramps up Amidst the barricades already set up, additional officers, units and tactical personnel are expected around the venue.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Judicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/judicious. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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