judiciously

American

[joo-dish-uhs-lee] / dʒuˈdɪʃ əs li /

adverb

in a way that shows good judgment or discernment; wisely or prudently.

Food labels are required for a reason, and I use them judiciously to avoid chemicals and ingredients I don't want in my body.

Other Word Forms

overjudiciously

adverb

Etymology

Origin of judiciously

judicious ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

When you do something judiciously, you use common sense or good judgment. It's important for juries to act judiciously when they're making a decision about a verdict. If you're giving someone bad news, it's best to speak judiciously, carefully considering how your words will be received, and when a teacher chooses one student to be his assistant for the day, he should choose judiciously so the others don't get their feelings hurt. The adverb judiciously comes from the Latin iudicium, "judgment," by way of the Middle French judicieux.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

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.

But that power needs to be exercised judiciously.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026

He still thinks that was the right call but said such decisions must be made judiciously.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Your $400,000 inheritance can be used to supplement your current income and, if managed judiciously — go easy on the gifts — it could last you into your 80s and beyond.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026

Renzi uses dozens of scenes from Sheen’s films to illustrate his life story, along with a few judiciously employed re-enactments.

From Salon • Sep. 12, 2025

Silent early morning dogs parade majestically picking and choosing judiciously whereon to pee.

From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023