indiscretion

noun

in·​dis·​cre·​tion ˌin-di-ˈskre-shən How to pronounce indiscretion (audio)
Synonyms of indiscretionnext
1
: lack of discretion : imprudence
dietary indiscretion
2
a
: something (such as an act or remark) marked by lack of discretion
characterized his binge drinking in college as a youthful indiscretion
b
: an act at variance with the accepted morality of a society
resigned because of financial indiscretions

Examples of indiscretion in a Sentence

She committed a few minor indiscretions. put the incident down as just a youthful indiscretion
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sharon Osbourne was both aware of and largely unbothered by the indiscretions of her late husband, Ozzy Osbourne — with one notable exception. Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025 The bigger hurdle comes when Ella’s indiscretions with Ryan in a government building come to light. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Dec. 2025 Her amour fou with lothario bartender Jax Taylor set the tone for a soap whose throughline was infidelity, with the women repeatedly sleuthing out their boyfriends’ indiscretions as the men tried to cover for each other. Judy Berman, Time, 4 Dec. 2025 Personal indiscretions once seen as disqualifying, such as the extramarital affair that chased Gary Hart from the 1988 presidential race, scarcely raise an eyebrow. Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indiscretion

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indiscretion was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indiscretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indiscretion. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

indiscretion

noun
in·​dis·​cre·​tion ˌin-dis-ˈkresh-ən How to pronounce indiscretion (audio)
1
: lack of discretion : imprudence
2
: an indiscreet act or remark

More from Merriam-Webster on indiscretion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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