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

Example 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 So Bell's instincts were judicious, even if that meant that Sunday's 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards (which Bell is both hosting and among the nominees) was canceled. Dave Quinn, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025 The Football Observatory reports that the average transfer fee in the 2022/23 season approximated €4 million—a testament to the economic potential of judicious talent management. Priya Oberoi, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 As is often the case with slow-burn horror built on judicious restraint, those climactic events are arguably less effective in their relative explicitness than the preceding unease. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025 Just as the great English landscape designers guided beautiful creations with a judicious shaping of the environment but not too much control, Microsoft too is encouraging the flourishing of citizen programmers creating and sharing their knowledge in agents across the organization. John Sviokla, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for judicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for judicious
Adjective
  • Untangling a relationship with SpaceX Some of the most intelligent questions came from US Sen. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025
  • An intelligent and foresighted administration should be investing in the industries of the future that can be exported to the rest of the world, just as Joe Biden’s administration did by incentivizing solar technology.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Since sector performance generally rotates as the economy moves through different phases, broad sector exposure is a prudent hedge against unpredictable shifts in the market.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Magic Mountain crews had hoped to fix Superman: Escape from Krypton when the coaster closed for maintenance in September, but the necessary parts weren’t readily available and the most prudent option was to permanently close the ride, according to Harris.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This is another reason to be cautious about forecasting tariff impacts.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Collins said Republicans also need to be cautious about slashing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food benefits to low-income families, another budget-cutting target identified by fiscal conservatives.
    Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Word to the wise: the end credits are more like a Marvel movie as they are interrupted by a longish extra scene that includes a special cast member, blues legend Buddy Guy, plus yet another musical number at the end of credits.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Consulting with a financial advisor experienced in bear markets may also be wise.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Though the camerawork is relatively discreet, the imagination all too easily fills in any gory details the eye can’t see.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
  • His aunt looks directly at Farah, making no effort to be discreet.
    David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Teamwork, socialization, and other types of in-person connection are what workers cite as the most desirable aspects of choosing an office over working from home.
    Ryan Anderson, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Located just west of K-7 Highway and south of College Boulevard, Prairie Canyon is set in one of the most desirable locations, blending scenic beauty with easy access to local amenities.
    Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While others juggled safety cars, strategy gambles, and crumbling tyre sets, the 24-year-old turned tactical advantage into a masterclass.
    Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Victor Osimhen has been highlighted as the ideal tactical fit for United thanks to his ability to do what Ruben Amorim’s side have particularly struggled at: putting the ball in the back of the net.
    Ali Rampling, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Judicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/judicious. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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