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

Due process is not discretionary. —Rosalind Osgood, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026

The municipality also cannot impose any conditions, fees or discretionary requirements on the affordable housing projects. —Jake Ramsey, Oklahoma Watch, 4 Feb. 2026

The district also plans to reduce discretionary spending, eliminate or scale back nonessential expenses, consolidate duplicative resources and streamline staffing to align positions to current enrollment and student needs, Frances said. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026

The truth was that the MA plan would have funneled money from low-income seniors to a discretionary fund controlled by the mayor and union leaders. —Marianne Pizzitola, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 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.