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.
Pepsi is planning cost reductions to cut down on redundancies and discretionary spending to pay for investments in innovation and marketing, Laguarta said in prepared remarks. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 That could mean adjusting discretionary spending, keeping more cash available for near-term expenses or being more flexible about how much is withdrawn from investment accounts from one year to the next. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 The useful figure is one that fits the discretionary money left after necessities and financial goals are covered. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 Even if school funding keeps growing, future increases may go to other state priorities, with no guarantee of additional discretionary grants, Kapphahn added. — Chaewon Chung updated October 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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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