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

However, Roberts noted that there may be few, if any discretionary changes given that the fourth quarter had the lowest historical rebalance turnover, and that a strong M & A pipeline exists for changes. —Lisa Kailai Han,scott Schnipper, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2025

Researchers applied the 50/30/20 budget rule, allocating 50% of income to necessities, 30% to discretionary spending and 20% to savings or debt payments. —Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Nov. 2025

In the retail sales data, spending fell in discretionary categories like electronics, clothing and sporting goods. —Molly Smith, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2025

Meaning that for some, purchases of concert/festival tickets, music and other discretionary items are lower priorities right now. —Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 25 Nov. 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.