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

• optional
• voluntary

Examples of discretionary in a Sentence

discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year

Recent Examples on the Web

Experiences surged ahead of things in the hierarchy of discretionary spending, particularly among younger generations. —Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Communication services and consumer discretionary stocks are also up more than 30% during the same period. —Fred Imbert,nick Wells, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025

In June 2023, Do had made the contribution from his district discretionary funds to erect an archway at the southern entrance to Little Saigon, on Bolsa Avenue, and an additional $500,000 for the project’s artwork. —Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 30 Aug. 2025

Wells Fargo economists noted that July’s spending growth masked a pullback in discretionary categories like food services and hotel accommodations. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2025

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.