discretionary

adjective

dis·​cre·​tion·​ary di-ˈskre-shə-ˌner-ē 

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

• optional
• voluntary

Examples of discretionary in a Sentence

discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year

Recent Examples on the Web

Lower-income households remain under pressure, and a weaker employment market would eventually reach discretionary spending. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

The president could do this using discretionary funds for White House staffing or, even better, Congress could appropriate the necessary monies. — David Blumenthal, STAT, 20 July 2026

Over $900 million came from the $6 billion corporate fund — the discretionary pot at the center of recent spending fights. — Stuart Loren, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Consumer confidence is hovering at record lows, and many are pulling back on discretionary spending. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

discretion + -ary entry 2

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing discretionary

• discretionary account
• discretionary income

Rhymes for discretionary

• accretionary
• apothecary
• bicentenary
• certiorari
• concessionary
• concretionary
• confectionary
• confectionery
• constabulary
• contemporary
• deflationary
• depositary

Legal Definition

discretionary

adjective

dis·​cre·​tion·​ary dis-ˈkre-shə-ˌner-ē 

: 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.