Meaning & use

prudence

noun·Academic

The quality of being careful and sensible when making decisions, especially about money or risk.

See it in a sentence

Financial prudence helped the family save enough to buy a home within five years.

The doctor advised prudence, suggesting he avoid strenuous exercise until fully healed.

A note on using this word

Often associated with financial decisions but applies broadly to any situation requiring careful, wise judgment.

Words with a similar meaning

cautiondiscretion

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

recklessnesscarelessness

Make it your own

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