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

While consumers have pulled back in some discretionary categories, demand for live entertainment has remained remarkably strong — from concerts and sporting events to theater. —Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 5 June 2026

The research firm said discretionary retail visits dipped below prior-year levels in late April, and by mid-May, even essential, non-discretionary chains saw a year-over-year decline. —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 4 June 2026

It cannot be used for discretionary spending. —Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 3 June 2026

From his perspective, the recent guidance should be viewed as an indication that discretionary review may receive greater scrutiny rather than as the elimination of adjustment of status pathways altogether. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 June 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.