Synonym Chooser

How is the word judicious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of judicious are prudent, sage, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.

judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure

When would prudent be a good substitute for judicious?

While the synonyms prudent and judicious are close in meaning, prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.

a prudent decision to wait out the storm

Where would sage be a reasonable alternative to judicious?

The words sage and judicious can be used in similar contexts, but sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.

the sage advice of my father

When could sane be used to replace judicious?

While in some cases nearly identical to judicious, sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness.

remained sane even in times of crises

When is sapient a more appropriate choice than judicious?

In some situations, the words sapient and judicious are roughly equivalent. However, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.

the sapient musings of an old philosopher

When might sensible be a better fit than judicious?

The words sensible and judicious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality.

a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery

In what contexts can wise take the place of judicious?

Although the words wise and judicious have much in common, wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them.

wise beyond his tender years

Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of judicious The big picture: Patients are increasingly judicious health care shoppers, and health care organizations that provide consumers with accessible, affordable and high-quality care will prosper above those that don't, per a McKinsey report. Aaron Weitzman, Axios, 10 Oct. 2024 Humans still do their thinking and make judicious use of generative AI to augment their thinking. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 Policymakers think the economy is basically holding up fine, which would mean more judicious quarter-point reductions from here. Neil Irwin, Axios, 23 Sep. 2024 Real peace relies on a far more judicious and challenging exercise of international diplomacy. Eric Min, Foreign Affairs, 24 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for judicious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for judicious
Adjective
  • Besides maintaining control of one’s own emotions, an emotionally intelligent leader is aware of their team members’ emotions and motivations.
    Leen Kawas, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • So Far This is a world where fascism in Oz is taking hold, where fear and hatred is being promoted and the intelligent and wise speaking animals of Oz are having their voices silenced.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The company continues its strategy of maintaining a conservative capital structure with prudent leverage.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
  • And after the chaos Washington descended into following the 2020 election, analysts might be prudent to assume Trump wouldn’t take another loss without an intense battle.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • As consumers continue to be cautious about their spending, Amazon’s focus on cheaper items could keep it ahead of competitors like Target (TGT+2.53%), Walmart (WMT+0.53%), and discount grocer Aldi, all of which are racing to lower prices in response to changing shopping habits.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Be especially cautious about implementing AI in areas that may result in adverse decisions being made, such as credit and collection departments.
    Cory McNeley, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • At the beginning of the first film, the Emperor is the kindly, wise, old Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris).
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024
  • Most important, sound wise, was the Vox AC15 amplifier.
    Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Available in seven different colors, its stand-out features include stretchy bands to keep items in place and two discreet exterior zippered pockets for slim items like razors or tweezers.
    Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2024
  • Rule #2: Find a discreet place to put your valuables Pickpockets and thieves are opportunists.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Research has also shown that desirable low-stress rat environments retune their brains’ reward circuits, such as the nucleus accumbens.
    Kelly Lambert, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Unemployment dipped to its lowest level in 54 years in 2023 and stayed within a desirable range.
    Vox Staff, Vox, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Brancato’s ready to order a tactical pause, but Acting President Duke Nukem insists on moving forward with the attack.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Remember: successful treks begin with the right gear, so keep scrolling to explore the 14 best tactical hiking pants, leggings, and tights that skip the bulk and maximize performance and comfort.
    Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near judicious

Cite this Entry

“Judicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/judicious. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on judicious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!