DISCRETIONARY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

discretionary

adjective

di-ˈskre-shə-ˌner-ē

Definition of discretionary

as in optional

subject to one's freedom of choice discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year

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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 discretionary Waiting two to three weeks on discretionary purchases can prevent a redo in September. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026 The money was allocated from Supervisor Janet Nguyen's discretionary funds. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 The consumer is being discretionary with purchases and looking for savings, which is right where Tanger sits. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026 About 66% of the operating budget is spent on public safety, courts and the criminal justice system, leaving little room for discretionary spending, Bertino-Tarrant said. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discretionary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretionary

Adjective

Bonnell also uses a belt drive as standard equipment for quieter, lower-maintenance operation, with an optional 520 chain conversion available for riders who prefer a more traditional setup.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
The brand added that the toothbrush’s camera feed is strictly live and optional, with no images or video stored on the app or the phone, and no access for the company at any point.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of optional

Adjective

Sullivan agreed to include instructions on voluntary manslaughter but not the Bowden charge.

— Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
Water cuts split states Under the new rules, four states – Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming – are allowed to implement voluntary water reductions instead of mandatory cuts.

— James Powel, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of voluntary

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discretion

discretionary

discretions

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“Discretionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretionary. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of discretionary

adjective

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