adjective

judicious

joo-DISH-uhs

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Judicious (adjective) means showing good sense and careful judgement in making a decision. Example: “A judicious choice of words kept the negotiation alive.”

adjective

Showing good sense and careful judgement in making a decision.

"A judicious choice of words kept the negotiation alive."

"She made judicious use of the limited budget."

How to use judicious

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSensible and carefully thought through.

When to use it

Formal; common in reviews, legal and academic writing.

Memory tip

The phrase 'judicious use of' is the most frequent pattern, as in 'judicious use of colour'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

judicial → prudent → juridical →

Common pairings

judicious use judicious choice judicious mix judicious decision

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “judicious” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ choice of words kept the negotiation alive.

Etymology

Via French judicieux from Latin judicium, meaning judgement.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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prudent sensible astute well-judged discerning heady wise

Antonyms

rash injudicious reckless

Related words

slow smart knowing careful exciting wise dumb sharp

Rhymes for judicious

yous nous heinous ominous curious anxious copious tenuous unctuous tortuous spurious infamous

See all rhymes for judicious →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between judicious and judicial?

Judicious means wise and well-judged and can describe anyone's decisions. Judicial relates specifically to law courts, judges and legal proceedings. A judge can make an injudicious judicial ruling, so the two are entirely separate.

What is the difference between judicious and prudent?

Prudent stresses caution and avoiding risk, usually about the future. Judicious stresses the quality of the reasoning itself — weighing the options well. A prudent choice is safe; a judicious one is well thought out.

What is the meaning of judicious?

"judicious" (adjective) means showing good sense and careful judgement in making a decision.

What is another word for judicious?

Other words for "judicious" include prudent, sensible, astute, well-judged, discerning, heady.

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slow smart knowing careful exciting wise dumb sharp