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.

“It does intend to have adjudicators be more judicious in whether or not to have someone adjust their status” from within the country, said Eddie Raleigh, a partner at immigration law firm Fragomen.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 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

And when it was made plain who Kino was, the doctor grew stern and judicious at the same time.

From "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck

Vocabulary lists containing judicious

You Be the Judge: Jud, Jur, Jus

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The Pearl

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