discretionary

adjective

dis·​cre·​tion·​ary di-ˈskre-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce discretionary (audio)
Synonyms of discretionary
1
: left to individual choice or judgment : exercised at one's own discretion
discretionary powers
2
: available for discretionary use
discretionary income

Synonyms of discretionary

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Examples of discretionary in a Sentence

discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Cramer said that upscale customer base should also make the company more resilient if inflation and higher energy prices weigh on discretionary spending. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 Start with your seller’s discretionary earnings or EBITDA, depending on your business size, not your revenue line. — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 By focusing on young women’s interests and their social media trends, brands can profit from young women’s rise in discretionary spending and disposable income by paying attention and catering to the demographic in their marketing. — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 Congressional approval should be required for significant discretionary expenditures or those that deviate from congressional appropriations. — Debra Houry, STAT, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discretionary

Word History

Etymology

discretion + -ary entry 2

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of discretionary was in 1698

Phrases Containing discretionary

Rhymes for discretionary

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Browse Nearby Words

discretionarily
discretionary
discretionary account
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Cite this Entry

“Discretionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discretionary. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Legal Definition

discretionary

adjective
dis·​cre·​tion·​ary dis-ˈkre-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce discretionary (audio)
: left to discretion : exercised at one's own discretion
specifically : relating to the policy-making function of a public official see also Federal Tort Claims Act compare ministerial

Note: A public official generally has qualified immunity from lawsuits that arise from his or her discretionary acts.

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