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

The resulting selection of stocks spans health care, consumer staples, industrials and consumer discretionary companies. — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026

Massage tools now sit alongside health trackers and IV drips as one of the discretionary categories where younger consumers are outspending everyone else. — Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

When the economy hits rougher patches, employers curtail hiring or tend to favor experienced workers, businesses lean more on technology to fill any labor gaps, and some consumers pull back on discretionary spending. — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Many consumers have responded by switching to cheaper brands, cutting discretionary spending and cooking more meals at home. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 7 Aug. 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.