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

• elective
• optional
• voluntary

Examples of discretionary in a Sentence

discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year

Recent Examples on the Web

Individuals who need help controlling discretionary spending. —Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

Many businesses and consumers will cut discretionary spending during hard times, so position yourself accordingly. 6. —Sam Dogen, Contributor, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025

That spending plan would have left the state with a modest $363 million discretionary surplus, ending a two-year streak in which state lawmakers needed to plug significant spending shortfalls. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025

Sierra’s discretionary acts into a violation of a constitutional nature. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 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.