as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters
an Oxford don who was long on erudition but a little short on everyday nous
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nous
Alonso's coaching career has been turbocharged by his impressive tactical nous, which was the driving factor in the success of a Bayer Leverkusen side substantially less well-resourced than its rivals.
—
Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
He's credited Pep Guardiola for his tactical nous in the past, but that doesn't explain away Sevilla.
—SI.com, 2 Oct. 2019
While John Stones is equally good in possession, the 25-year-old has not yet developed Alderweireld's defensive nous, which should come with age and experience.
—SI.com, 15 Aug. 2019
His defensive nous allows the creativity to flow freely from virtuoso talents such as Eden Hazard and Luka Modric.
—SI.com, 5 Sep. 2019
The 37-year-old has built a strong reputation for his tactical nous since retiring from playing.
—SI.com, 24 June 2019
The industry will have to use its considerable commercial nous to hit its growth targets if Brexit provokes a deep rupture with the EU.
—The Economist, 3 May 2018
Some creative nous, some flair – something to get England fans off their bloody seats for the first time in years.
—SI.com, 21 Mar. 2018
The nous of captain Lee Wallace, the longest serving current Rangers player at seven years, was sorely missed today.
—SI.com, 30 Apr. 2018
Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
He's credited Pep Guardiola for his tactical nous in the past, but that doesn't explain away Sevilla.
—SI.com, 2 Oct. 2019
While John Stones is equally good in possession, the 25-year-old has not yet developed Alderweireld's defensive nous, which should come with age and experience.
—SI.com, 15 Aug. 2019
His defensive nous allows the creativity to flow freely from virtuoso talents such as Eden Hazard and Luka Modric.
—SI.com, 5 Sep. 2019
The 37-year-old has built a strong reputation for his tactical nous since retiring from playing.
—SI.com, 24 June 2019
The industry will have to use its considerable commercial nous to hit its growth targets if Brexit provokes a deep rupture with the EU.
—The Economist, 3 May 2018
Some creative nous, some flair – something to get England fans off their bloody seats for the first time in years.
—SI.com, 21 Mar. 2018
The nous of captain Lee Wallace, the longest serving current Rangers player at seven years, was sorely missed today.
—SI.com, 30 Apr. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nous
Noun
-
However, obstacles, chief among them the Kings’ apparent commitment to patience and prudence, abound.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
-
This approach balances fiscal prudence with the need for meaningful oversight.—
Dick Simpson,
Chicago Tribune,
29 July 2025
Noun
-
There are many great cocktail books out there, penned by incredibly talented bartenders who are more than willing to share their wisdom.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
24 July 2025
-
People listen more attentively to the vice president than the assistant, regardless of their wisdom.—
Gamze Acar Bayraktaroglu,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
The loud, brazen demeanor adopted by many pastors inspires mass trances and a sense of divine supremacy.—
Emi Eleode,
Time,
14 July 2025
-
Such easy overlap between juror and filmmaker speaks to a wider festival goal toward building a real sense of community within the genre world.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Greater intelligence, wit, compassion, principles, and humanity enter our lives through book authors.—
Chris John Amorosino,
Hartford Courant,
27 July 2025
-
For over three decades, Kym Whitley has moved through Hollywood with an unmistakable mix of warmth, wit, and work ethic.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
Within 3-6 years: Widespread artificial general intelligence (AGI) emerges, with machines rivaling our brightest minds across intellectual domains.—
Arafat Kabir,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
-
Trump also hinted on Tuesday that Obama could be prosecuted after the latter’s administration reportedly ignored intelligence community assessments suggesting that Russia wasn’t directly meddling in the 2016 election.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nous. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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