DISCRETIONARY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

discretionary

adjective

di-ˈskre-shə-ˌner-ē

Definition of discretionary next

as in optional

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

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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 Residents are prohibited from certain discretionary water uses. —

Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026 Costs will be absorbed within a discretionary cost-of-living adjustment provided in the budget proposal. —

Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026 Her office has allocated $1 million of discretionary funding to host four large drive-through food distribution events with the food bank as well as a handful of smaller giveaways. —

Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 Congress’s obligation under Article V is non-discretionary. —

Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for discretionary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretionary

Adjective

Credit insurance is typically optional, with the exception of private mortgage insurance (PMI) on a home loan.

— Liz Knueven, CNBC, 18 May 2026
The study’s scope includes an optional component — triggered only if the initial assessment warrants it — that would produce a conceptual design and site plan for a potential eastern substation, including cost estimates.

— Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026