judicious

[joo-dish-uhs]

adjective

1. using or showing judgment as to action or practical expediency; discreet, prudent, or politic.

   judicious use of one's money.

   Antonyms: imprudent

2. having, exercising, or characterized by good or discriminating judgment; wise, sensible, or well-advised.

   a judicious selection of documents.

   Synonyms: considered, sagacious, sound, sound, sober, reasonable, rational, rational
   Antonyms: unreasonable, silly

judicious

/ dʒuːˈdɪʃəs /

adjective

1. having or proceeding from good judgment

Other Word Forms

• judiciously adverb
• judiciousness noun
• overjudicious adjective
• overjudiciousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of judicious¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin jūdici(um) “judgment” ( judge, -ium ) + -ous; compare Italian giudizioso, French judicieux

Synonym Study

See practical. See moderate. Judicious, judicial both refer to a balanced and wise judgment. Judicious implies the possession and use of discerning and discriminating judgment: a judicious use of one's time. Judicial has connotations of judgments made in a courtroom and refers to a fair and impartial kind of judgment: cool and judicial in examining the facts.

Example Sentences

With judicious trimming, particularly of the occasional puddle of expository or repetitive dialogue, the play would gain a tauter pace.

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“If you need it, you need it, but then be judicious about it,” she said.

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“When the Epstein records are turned over to the public, which we must do as quickly as possible, we have to also be very judicious and careful about protecting the innocent,” he said.

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Again, another judicious selection that accurately conveys the energy and feeling of the entire set of songs.

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Indeed, it’s more judicious in tone, and far more fair-minded, than most of the Zohran freakout among centrist Democrats and mainstream U.S. media pundits, let alone the virulent racism and Islamophobia of Republicans.

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Related Words

• astute 
• careful 
• cautious 
• circumspect 
• considerate 
• expedient 
• prudent 
• rational 
• reasonable 
• sane 
• sensible 
• shrewd 
• skillful 
• sober 
• thorough