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Synonyms

prudential

American  
[proo-den-shuhl] / pruˈdɛn ʃəl /

adjective

  1. of, pertaining to, characterized by, or resulting from prudence.

  2. exercising prudence.

  3. having discretionary or advisory authority, as in business matters.


prudential British  
/ pruːˈdɛnʃəl /

adjective

  1. characterized by or resulting from prudence

  2. exercising prudence or sound judgment

"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

Other Word Forms

  • nonprudential adjective
  • nonprudentially adverb
  • prudentiality noun
  • prudentially adverb
  • prudentialness noun
  • unprudential adjective
  • unprudentially adverb

Etymology

Origin of prudential

1635–45; < Latin prūdenti ( a ) prudence + -al 1

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.

It’s basic prudential supervision, and it’s well within the existing tool kit.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

Analyst Nigel Pittaway tells clients in a note that he still sees medium-term upside from the prudential regulator’s proposed changes to its capital settings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 8, 2025

More than ever, we need leaders with strong moral character, personal discipline and the ability to model prudential choices about when and how to use such a powerful technology.

From Salon • Nov. 29, 2025

“Every jurisdiction and prudential consideration calls for this Court to allow the appeal to proceed first in the D.C. Circuit. ‘Haste makes waste’ is an old adage.

From Washington Times • Dec. 20, 2023

Hence, to make a beginning, I venture to submit the following specimens of prudential and cautionary Dining-room Rhymes.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 150, June 21st, 1916 by Various