prudent

[prood-nt] / ˈprud nt /

ADJECTIVE

wise, sensible in action and thought

Synonyms

STRONGEST

careful cautious discreet economical frugal judicious reasonable sane shrewd vigilant

WEAK

advisable canny circumspect discerning far-sighted hedging one's bets judgmatic leery playing safe politic provident sagacious sage sapient sound sparing tactical thinking twice thrifty wary

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless expensive foolish hasty inattentive incautious indiscreet nonsensical rash reckless stupid thoughtless uncareful uneconomical unreasonable wasteful

WEAK

imprudent unwise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

CEO Christopher Diorio expresses confidence in Impinj’s market position but plans a prudent approach to the second half.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Management has emphasized it prioritizes liquidity management and prudent risk management amid uncertain macroeconomic outlook, the analysts note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

"Recent events are encouraging, even if we have to remain prudent," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

So general manager Ken Holland did the prudent thing and largely stood pat, trading a couple of veterans for draft picks and making only a pair of minor acquisitions.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

I neither wanted to offend the secretaries nor alienate my new colleague, so I settled on what seemed to me the most prudent course of action: I declined to have any tea at all.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Vocabulary lists containing prudent

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Grade 10, List 4

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