discretionary

adjective

di-ˈskre-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce discretionary (audio)
Definition of discretionarynext
as in optional
subject to one's freedom of choice discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 Management may slow hiring, defer discretionary projects, renegotiate financing or reduce working capital without fundamentally changing the company. — Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 The utilities, financial and consumer discretionary sectors have all contracted. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026 The $177 billion finding represents nearly 10% of federal discretionary spending, the groups said. — Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026 These changes in consumer preferences and behavior are also showing up in non-discretionary categories such as food. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discretionary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretionary
  1. optional
  2. voluntary
Adjective
  • Leaders who work around their own systems, who skip time sheets or approve scopes without reading them, are training their entire team that the systems are optional.
    — Drew McLellan, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Voting in Brazil is compulsory for most citizens ages 18 to 70 and optional for 16- and 17-year-olds, people over age 70, and people who cannot read or write.
    — Katie Angell Britannica Editors Oct. 2, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of optional
Adjective
  • The Seal is voluntary and requires manufacturers to apply and submit evidence supporting their claims.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In reality, the president and the tech leaders signed a voluntary accord that allows the companies to police themselves.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of voluntary

Browse Nearby Words

discretion
discretionary
discretions
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Cite this Entry

“Discretionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretionary. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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