PRUDENT Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'prudent' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of prudent are judicious , sage , sane , sapient , sensible , and wise . While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion. // a prudent decision to wait out the storm

Q: Where would 'judicious' be a reasonable alternative to 'prudent'?

In some situations, the words judicious and prudent are roughly equivalent. However, judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions. // judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

Q: In what contexts can 'sage' take the place of 'prudent'?

The synonyms sage and prudent are sometimes interchangeable, but sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom. // the sage advice of my father

Q: When would 'sane' be a good substitute for 'prudent'?

The words sane and prudent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness. // remained sane even in times of crises

Q: When can 'sapient' be used instead of 'prudent'?

While in some cases nearly identical to prudent , sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment. // the sapient musings of an old philosopher

Q: When could 'sensible' be used to replace 'prudent'?

The meanings of sensible and prudent largely overlap; however, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality. // a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

Q: When is it sensible to use 'wise' instead of 'prudent'?

While the synonyms wise and prudent are close in meaning, wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them. // wise beyond his tender years

prudent

adjective

ˈprü-dᵊnt

Definition of prudent next

as in intelligent

having or showing good judgment and restraint especially in conduct or speech her calm response was very prudent under the circumstances

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as in wise

suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances it wouldn't be prudent to ask for a raise while the company is having financial troubles

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as in insightful

having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge her many years of experience as a social worker have made her a prudent judge of character

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word prudent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of prudent are judicious, sage, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

Where would judicious be a reasonable alternative to prudent?

In some situations, the words judicious and prudent are roughly equivalent. However, judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

In what contexts can sage take the place of prudent?

The synonyms sage and prudent are sometimes interchangeable, but sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When would sane be a good substitute for prudent?

The words sane and prudent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When can sapient be used instead of prudent?

While in some cases nearly identical to prudent, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When could sensible be used to replace prudent?

The meanings of sensible and prudent largely overlap; however, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

When is it sensible to use wise instead of prudent?

While the synonyms wise and prudent are close in meaning, 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 prudent But even before the latest story, Bass’ Palisades report card was one that a prudent person might have fed to the dog. —

Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026 So, while Minnesota wants Conley back in the building, patience is prudent. —

Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2026 Be prudent about your indulgences, but don’t feel the need to repress them for the sake of a wider audience who was never going to get it. —

Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026 New owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez were intrigued by a potential blockbuster, team sources said, but they were not fully convinced that breaking up the young core of Edwards, McDaniels and Reid, or parting with rookie Joan Beringer, was prudent. —

Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prudent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prudent

Adjective

In addition, Kravitz regularly serves as an appeal host, supporting nonprofit organizations in raising funds through emotionally intelligent storytelling and crowd engagement.

— Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
An authority figure might be quite impressed by your speedy progress or intelligent questions.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026

Definition of intelligent

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“Prudent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prudent. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

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