prudence
noun
pru·dence
ˈprü-dᵊn(t)s 
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
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
Navigating Political and Ethical Considerations of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
By embracing bitcoin as a vital national reserve asset, the United States positions itself at the forefront of economic innovation, fiscal prudence, and visionary thinking.
—
Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
What critics of interventionism have historically sought is prudence in foreign affairs – avoiding unnecessary wars while ensuring the protection of core national interests.
—Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2025
Carroll picked contractors to do the work and agreed on a price without waiting for competing bids, authorized them to pave at night when rain forecasts would normally have halted work, and generally gave speed priority over the usual prudence.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
Looking Ahead Like previous iterations, this year’s letter highlighted Berkshire’s ability to adapt to changing economic conditions while sticking to its core principles of value investing and financial prudence.
—Garth Friesen, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prudence
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Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
What critics of interventionism have historically sought is prudence in foreign affairs – avoiding unnecessary wars while ensuring the protection of core national interests.
—Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2025
Carroll picked contractors to do the work and agreed on a price without waiting for competing bids, authorized them to pave at night when rain forecasts would normally have halted work, and generally gave speed priority over the usual prudence.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
Looking Ahead Like previous iterations, this year’s letter highlighted Berkshire’s ability to adapt to changing economic conditions while sticking to its core principles of value investing and financial prudence.
—Garth Friesen, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prudence
Articles Related to prudence
Cite this Entry
“Prudence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prudence. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prudence
noun
pru·dence
ˈprüd-ᵊn(t)s
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
: attentiveness to possible hazard : caution or circumspection as to danger or risk
a person of ordinary prudence
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