Definition of PRUDENCE (original) (raw)
1
: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason
2
: sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs
3
: skill and good judgment in the use of resources
4
: caution or circumspection as to danger or risk
Synonyms
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
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That prudence paid off earlier this week when China’s DeepSeek unveiled its free AI open-source technology. —
Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025 For decades afterward, the 1984 defeat revived Liberal prudence: Don’t overdo things. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025 Businesses should exercise prudence when assigning projects that demand creativity, expert judgment, or the creation of high-stakes content. —Douglas B. Laney, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 This is a win-win for financial prudence and the environment. —Claus Jepsen, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 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
Dictionary Entries Near prudence
Cite this Entry
“Prudence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prudence. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
Share
More from Merriam-Webster on prudence
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!