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Synonyms

prudential

American  
[proo-den-shuhl] / pruˈdɛn ʃəl /

adjective

  1. of, pertaining to, characterized by, or resulting from prudence.

  2. exercising prudence.

  3. having discretionary or advisory authority, as in business matters.


prudential British  
/ pruːˈdɛnʃəl /

adjective

  1. characterized by or resulting from prudence

  2. exercising prudence or sound judgment

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonprudential adjective
  • nonprudentially adverb
  • prudentiality noun
  • prudentially adverb
  • prudentialness noun
  • unprudential adjective
  • unprudentially adverb

Etymology

Origin of prudential

1635–45; < Latin prūdenti ( a ) prudence + -al 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

More than ever, we need leaders with strong moral character, personal discipline and the ability to model prudential choices about when and how to use such a powerful technology.

From Salon • Nov. 29, 2025

SYDNEY—The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has established a new committee for the conduct of financial policy, giving it power over issues around financial stability and prudential issues for banks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 6, 2025

“Every jurisdiction and prudential consideration calls for this Court to allow the appeal to proceed first in the D.C. Circuit. ‘Haste makes waste’ is an old adage.

From Washington Times • Dec. 20, 2023

Funding from what is known as prudential borrowing was agreed by councillors in March, but the amount needed was not made public due to commercial confidentiality.

From BBC • May 31, 2023

There may be reasons why he would not, private reasons, prudential reasons.

From The International Jew The World's Foremost Problem by Ford, Henry