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Synonyms

prudence

1 American  
[prood-ns] / ˈprud ns /

noun

  1. the quality or fact of being prudent, or wise in practical affairs, as by providing for the future.

    Antonyms:
    rashness

  2. caution with regard to practical matters; discretion.

  3. regard for one's own interests.

  4. provident care in the management of resources; economy; frugality.

Prudence 2 American  
[prood-ns] / ˈprud ns /

noun

  1. a female given name.

prudence British  
/ ˈpruːdəns /

noun

  1. caution in practical affairs; discretion or circumspection

  2. care taken in the management of one's resources

  3. consideration for one's own interests

  4. the condition or quality of being prudent

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

Prudence, calculation, foresight, forethought imply attempted provision against possible contingencies. Prudence is care, caution, and good judgment, as well as wisdom in looking ahead: sober prudence in handling one's affairs. Calculation suggests a disposition to get a large return for as small an outlay as possible and willingness to benefit at the expense of others: cold calculation. Foresight implies a prudent looking ahead rather far into the future: clear foresight in planning. Forethought emphasizes the adequacy of preparation for the future: Careful forethought helped him deal with the emergency.

Other Word Forms

  • nonprudence noun

Etymology

Origin of prudence

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin prūdentia. See prudent, -ence

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.

The resulting supermajority in Parliament’s Lower House gives her flexibility to balance pump-priming with fiscal prudence.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

It’s not amoral to exercise exceptional prudence when considering an attack on another country, no matter how odious you may find its government.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

That sentiment — not panic but prudence — captures the mood reflected in the data.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

"The United States must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence," he warned, according to the state's Xinhua news agency.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

The signs and their removal were a regular topic of conversation among the women of West Computing, who debated the prudence of the action.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.