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

Elizee stressed that the process is discretionary and strongly recommends hiring an immigration attorney, as each case is decided by an immigration judge. —Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025

Altschwager sees the discretionary spending backdrop picking up in 2025. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025

The report also found that wage deductions were systematically used to discipline workers for things like refusing overtime, making mistakes or violating discretionary rules—a practice the BHRC said is indicative of an environment where economic coercion is routine. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 17 Dec. 2025

More than half of Target’s sales are discretionary. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 13 Dec. 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.