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
Examples of discretionary in a Sentence
discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year
Recent Examples on the Web
That dynamic has played out across discretionary spending categories, like retail, dining and travel, as Americans grapple with persistent inflation, economic uncertainty and, now, soaring gas prices.
—
Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 23 May 2026
For nearly two decades, local governments across Miami-Dade and Broward counties have funneled hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars from their budgets and discretionary funds to support concerts, receptions and festivals celebrating Haitian Heritage Month, a fixture in May.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 May 2026
In today's market this is important as consumers remain selective with discretionary spending.
—Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
The latest addition was paid for with $100,000 in discretionary funds from Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley, who also serves as director of the Orange County Fire Authority.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for discretionary
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Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 23 May 2026
For nearly two decades, local governments across Miami-Dade and Broward counties have funneled hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars from their budgets and discretionary funds to support concerts, receptions and festivals celebrating Haitian Heritage Month, a fixture in May.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 May 2026
In today's market this is important as consumers remain selective with discretionary spending.
—Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
The latest addition was paid for with $100,000 in discretionary funds from Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley, who also serves as director of the Orange County Fire Authority.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for discretionary
Cite this Entry
“Discretionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discretionary. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal 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.
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