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

Currently, as consumers curtail discretionary spending and competition intensifies from ultra low price online retailers like Shein as well as Zara parent company Inditex, H and M has struggled to generate sales growth. — CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

If markets perform poorly, discretionary spending could temporarily decrease. — Robert Cannon, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

The $177 billion finding represents nearly 10% of federal discretionary spending, the groups said. — Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026

The bill, experts told Semafor, will make future penalties less discretionary for the president. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 17 Sep. 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.