as in optional
subject to one's freedom of choice
discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year
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Recent Examples of discretionary
This jolt is compounded by existing worries over higher costs for everyday goods and risks causing consumers to cut back on discretionary spending.
—
Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
That reciprocal vulnerability is the engine of discretionary effort.
—Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
The granting of humanitarian parole is discretionary and receiving it does not give the parolee any legal immigration status.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
Active-duty Coast Guard personnel are currently being paid using discretionary funding despite the DHS shutdown.
—Joe Walsh, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discretionary
Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
That reciprocal vulnerability is the engine of discretionary effort.
—Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
The granting of humanitarian parole is discretionary and receiving it does not give the parolee any legal immigration status.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
Active-duty Coast Guard personnel are currently being paid using discretionary funding despite the DHS shutdown.
—Joe Walsh, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discretionary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretionary
Adjective
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Geico Auto Insurance Learn More Policy highlights Geico offers 16 discounts and a variety of optional add-ons, such as emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and mechanical breakdown insurance.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
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Before Saturday’s game, Rice worked on his scoops with Brett Weber, the Yankees’ senior director of advance scouting and a coaching assistant, during an optional batting practice period.—
Gary Phillips,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Similar, disappointing results were found more recently in a 2022 Vanderbilt study of Tennessee’s voluntary pre-K program.—
Abby McCloskey,
Boston Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
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This leaves due diligence up to mostly voluntary investigation process, leaving environmental and human rights risks upstream insufficiently monitored.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discretionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretionary. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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