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

To live comfortably, with some room for savings or discretionary spending, the same family would need to make closer to $200,000. —Data Reporter, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026

About $4 million is expected to be saved through reducing building budgets, cutting nonessential travel, consolidating services and other ways to cut discretionary spending. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026

Solana Beach City Councilmember David Zito also suggested that each council member have a discretionary amount of money to allocate to organizations of their choice. —Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026

The law’s provisions eliminate the requirement that projects undergo discretionary hearings by municipal panels such as the Planning Commission or City Council. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 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.