prudence

noun

pru·​dence ˈprü-dᵊn(t)s How to pronounce prudence (audio)
Synonyms of prudence
1
: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason
2
: skill and good judgment in the management of affairs and the use of resources
3
: caution or circumspection as to danger or risk

Synonyms of prudence

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Examples of prudence in a Sentence

He always exercises prudence with his finances. advised to use some old-fashioned prudence when agreeing to meet face-to-face with an online acquaintance
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Notably, Marvell built some prudence into that spending guide, assuming the current rate of capex growth will moderate over the forecast period and move closer to historical levels in the out-years. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 That might well be a sign of prudence on the part of fashion brands, which have been trying to boost full-price sales by not over-ordering inventory. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026 Short-term rates went to 5% and change, Treasury bills paid more than investment grade corporates, and savers who had spent fifteen years being punished for prudence suddenly got paid handsomely for doing nothing. — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 In those conditions, United’s prudence makes financial sense. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prudence

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin prudentia, alteration of providentia — more at providence

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prudence was in the 14th century

Rhymes for prudence

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Prudence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prudence. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prudence

noun
pru·​dence ˈprüd-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce prudence (audio)
1
: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason
2
: skill and good judgment in the management of affairs

Legal Definition

prudence

noun
pru·​dence ˈprüd-ᵊns How to pronounce prudence (audio)
: attentiveness to possible hazard : caution or circumspection as to danger or risk
a person of ordinary prudence
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