as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters
an Oxford don who was long on erudition but a little short on everyday nous
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Recent Examples of nous
He's credited Pep Guardiola for his tactical nous in the past, but that doesn't explain away Sevilla.
—
SI.com, 2 Oct. 2019
While John Stones is equally good in possession, the 25-year-old has not yet developed Alderweireld's defensive nous, which should come with age and experience.
—SI.com, 15 Aug. 2019
His defensive nous allows the creativity to flow freely from virtuoso talents such as Eden Hazard and Luka Modric.
—SI.com, 5 Sep. 2019
The 37-year-old has built a strong reputation for his tactical nous since retiring from playing.
—SI.com, 24 June 2019
The industry will have to use its considerable commercial nous to hit its growth targets if Brexit provokes a deep rupture with the EU.
—The Economist, 3 May 2018
Some creative nous, some flair – something to get England fans off their bloody seats for the first time in years.
—SI.com, 21 Mar. 2018
The nous of captain Lee Wallace, the longest serving current Rangers player at seven years, was sorely missed today.
—SI.com, 30 Apr. 2018
His establishment nous notwithstanding, Mr Pompeo is not playing Mr Trump so much as finding common cause with him.
—The Economist, 15 Mar. 2018
SI.com, 2 Oct. 2019
While John Stones is equally good in possession, the 25-year-old has not yet developed Alderweireld's defensive nous, which should come with age and experience.
—SI.com, 15 Aug. 2019
His defensive nous allows the creativity to flow freely from virtuoso talents such as Eden Hazard and Luka Modric.
—SI.com, 5 Sep. 2019
The 37-year-old has built a strong reputation for his tactical nous since retiring from playing.
—SI.com, 24 June 2019
The industry will have to use its considerable commercial nous to hit its growth targets if Brexit provokes a deep rupture with the EU.
—The Economist, 3 May 2018
Some creative nous, some flair – something to get England fans off their bloody seats for the first time in years.
—SI.com, 21 Mar. 2018
The nous of captain Lee Wallace, the longest serving current Rangers player at seven years, was sorely missed today.
—SI.com, 30 Apr. 2018
His establishment nous notwithstanding, Mr Pompeo is not playing Mr Trump so much as finding common cause with him.
—The Economist, 15 Mar. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nous
Noun
-
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
-
Lamont is expected to call for Connecticut to maintain its fiscal prudence balanced with strategic investments in various programs.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Their blueprint—proximity to problems, building a long-term approach, hope-building, erasing the self, and welcoming change—offers wisdom for addressing challenges from corporate boardrooms to community organizations.—
Tarun Galagali,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Cass Goodner, in his wisdom, did not share their enthusiasm.—
Frank C. Hibben,
Outdoor Life,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Not much can be made of the expressions on their faces, but the contorted bodies are sketched to reveal a sense—even evoke a sound—of intermittent agony.—
Emmanuel Iduma,
ARTnews.com,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Located in Donelson, TN, just outside Nashville, it’s designed to help people reconnect with joy, curiosity, and a sense of possibility.—
Amanda Miller Littlejohn,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Rosebud Baker is an actor, writer and comedian who somehow manages to blend dark humor and sharp wit, all while wearing the face of an angel.—
Ali Lerman,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Pickard, known for his good nature and quick wit, was the most common answer.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
But the main obstruction in that regard had been the reckless Justice Department policy of preventing intelligence agents and criminal investigators from communicating.—
Andrew C. McCarthy,
National Review,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Trump said after he was asked about the potential for intelligence cooperation.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nous. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
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