Definitions

prudent

[prood-nt] / ˈprud nt /

ADJECTIVE

wise, sensible in action and thought

Synonyms

STRONGEST

careful cautious discreet economical frugal judicious reasonable sane shrewd vigilant

WEAK

advisable canny circumspect discerning far-sighted hedging one's bets judgmatic leery playing safe politic provident sagacious sage sapient sound sparing tactical thinking twice thrifty wary

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless expensive foolish hasty inattentive incautious indiscreet nonsensical rash reckless stupid thoughtless uncareful uneconomical unreasonable wasteful

WEAK

imprudent unwise

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.

These suggest that its stance toward overseas M&A is more prudent, Shang adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Another prudent strategy is to take your current tax rate and “add a 5% margin to be safe,” Jesani said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

None of that is prudent behavior, and I do not recommend any of it except the chu toro.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Resisting the urge to chase the stock is the prudent move.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

The men decided that traveling right under their noses, with the slaves hidden beneath a Hessian blanket in the back of Fletcher’s cart, was the most prudent.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

Vocabulary lists containing prudent

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The Hobbit

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Grade 10, List 4

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