judicious

[joo-dish-uhs] / dʒuˈdɪʃ əs /

ADJECTIVE

wise, thoughtful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

astute careful cautious circumspect considerate expedient prudent rational reasonable sane sensible shrewd skillful sober thorough

WEAK

accurate acute calculating clear-sighted considered diplomatic discerning discreet discriminating efficacious enlightened far-sighted informed judicial keen perceptive perspicacious politic profound quick-witted sagacious sage sapient seasonable seemly sharp sophisticated sound wary well-advised well-judged worldly-wise

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless ignorant imprudent inattentive incautious indiscreet irrational rash stupid thoughtless uncareful unrealistic unreasonable unsound unwise

WEAK

foolish hasty idiotic injudicious nonsensical reckless senseless

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.

Mr. Sullivan’s portraits are judicious and sharp, and he makes good use of pungent quotes from the newspaper scribes of the day.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

It flew in the face of the mantra of the “quiet professional” that suffused military culture, a kind of sober maturity that was critical to judicious use of deadly force.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

Famed stage and screen director Mike Nichols made judicious cuts, Idle said, though occasionally changed his mind.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

He told the president he could go even farther than Ronald Reagan, which, in this context, is an interesting statement, since Reagan rattled some sabers initially but actually made the judicious decision to withdraw.

From Salon • Mar. 10, 2026

The teacher was dark and pretty, and by a judicious raising or withholding of hands the twins had no worries.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

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