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 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
  1. optional
  2. voluntary
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
  • The center had been a free, voluntary resource for state, local, tribal and territorial election office employees to receive the latest intelligence how bad actors are targeting election infrastructure.
    — Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Yolanda Marodi previously pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of an estranged partner in 2003 and served roughly a decade in prison.
    — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 3 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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