discretion
noun
dis·cre·tion
di-ˈskre-shən 
1
: the quality of having or showing discernment or good judgment : the quality of being discreet
handled the awkward situation with great discretion
especially
: cautious reserve (as in revealing information)
uses discretion when discussing personal matters
She is the soul of discretion. [=she is very discreet]
2
: the use of careful judgment in making responsible decisions
Due to the amount of violence in the movie, parental discretion is advised.
3
a
: individual choice or judgment
I leave the decision to your discretion.
Exactly how much to tip a server is at the discretion of the customer.
b
: power to choose or decide freely within certain legal bounds
reached the age of discretion
prosecutorial discretion
Examples of discretion in a Sentence
Though it is worth noting that to live in a place where other people come just for pleasure has the odd effect of making me feel transient, while the visitors seem more fixed and permanent in their lives, coming as they do from more conventional homes far away. It is as if I am always waiting for them and am here at their discretion.
—
Richard Ford, Wall Street Journal, 14-15 June 2008
In Texas "capital" murder doesn't necessarily mean a death-penalty case; it's the designation for any aggravated murder, and prosecutors have full discretion in deciding whether to seek death in such cases.
—John Cloud, Time, 14 July 2003
Del Monte was a courtier, bureaucrat, diplomat and politician born and bred and he understood the need for discretion.
—Peter Robb, The Man Who Became Caravaggio, (1998) 1999
Each artist in the gallery has discretion over the price that will be charged for his or her work.
The coach used his own discretion to let the injured quarterback play.
He always uses care and discretion when dealing with others.
She handled the awkward situation with great discretion.
Richard Ford, Wall Street Journal, 14-15 June 2008
In Texas "capital" murder doesn't necessarily mean a death-penalty case; it's the designation for any aggravated murder, and prosecutors have full discretion in deciding whether to seek death in such cases.
—John Cloud, Time, 14 July 2003
Del Monte was a courtier, bureaucrat, diplomat and politician born and bred and he understood the need for discretion.
—Peter Robb, The Man Who Became Caravaggio, (1998) 1999
Each artist in the gallery has discretion over the price that will be charged for his or her work.
The coach used his own discretion to let the injured quarterback play.
He always uses care and discretion when dealing with others.
She handled the awkward situation with great discretion.
Recent Examples on the Web
Most jurisdictions still provide employers broad discretion to maintain workplace drug testing programs and, in many cases, zero-tolerance policies.
—Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
The Justice Department cited prosecutorial discretion after the SEC moved to settle a related civil case, even as critics link the retreat to Trump’s suspension of overseas-bribery enforcement.
—Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of the web site or otherwise in violation of these Official Rules.
—Tim McGovern, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Some draw you for history held in their walls, some for breathtaking views, others for design, discretion, or their quiet gravitas.
—William Jones, USA Today, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for discretion
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Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
The Justice Department cited prosecutorial discretion after the SEC moved to settle a related civil case, even as critics link the retreat to Trump’s suspension of overseas-bribery enforcement.
—Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of the web site or otherwise in violation of these Official Rules.
—Tim McGovern, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Some draw you for history held in their walls, some for breathtaking views, others for design, discretion, or their quiet gravitas.
—William Jones, USA Today, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for discretion
Cite this Entry
“Discretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discretion. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
discretion
noun
dis·cre·tion
dis-ˈkresh-ən
1
: the quality of being discreet : prudence
2
a
: individual choice or judgment
left the decision to your discretion
b
: power of free decision
reached the age of discretion
discretionary
adjective
-ˈkresh-ə-ˌner-ē
Legal Definition
discretion
noun
dis·cre·tion
dis-ˈkre-shən
: power of free decision or latitude of choice within certain bounds imposed by law
reached the age of discretion
struck down death penalty provisions administered through unbridled jury discretion—L. H. Tribe
: as
L. H. Tribe
a
: the power of a judge to use his or her own judgment in making decisions guided by what is fair and equitable and by principles of law see also abuse of discretion
b
: the power of a public official or employee to act and make decisions based on his or her own judgment or conscience within the bounds of reason and the law
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