1
as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters
we'll rely on your discretion in handling this accusation of cheating
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in option
the power, right, or opportunity to choose
ambassadorships are generally regarded as subject to the president's discretion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in restraint
the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others
in that job you'll be expected to show discretion and act like a professional at all times
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discretion
But other states give judges discretion.
—
Sativa Banks, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
The local officials argued that the state law unduly limits law enforcement officers’ discretion when crime victims apply for what is known as a U visa, a visa set aside for non-citizen victims of crime who cooperate with law enforcement and meet other conditions.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 3 June 2026
At that time, the health inspector may close a food establishment at their discretion.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
Previously, attorneys in this office were given discretion to decide what cases to pursue.
—Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for discretion
Sativa Banks, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
The local officials argued that the state law unduly limits law enforcement officers’ discretion when crime victims apply for what is known as a U visa, a visa set aside for non-citizen victims of crime who cooperate with law enforcement and meet other conditions.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 3 June 2026
At that time, the health inspector may close a food establishment at their discretion.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
Previously, attorneys in this office were given discretion to decide what cases to pursue.
—Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for discretion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretion
Noun
-
This raised interest rates to punishing levels just as fiscal prudence was being tossed aside.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2026
-
Strength and prudence are not the same thing.—
S.E. Cupp,
New York Daily News,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
And in order to maintain a nutritious balance to each of these meals, consider adding cut-up vegetables (like celery or carrots) or fruit (strawberries or blueberries are easy options) to the plate.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
7 June 2026
-
Whatever option the department lands on could cause more drama.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Smith died of cardiac arrest combined with acute behavioral disturbance, cocaine use and holding restraint, The Times reported.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
-
Zinedine Zidane’s infamous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup exemplifies a lack of Temperance, while excessive restraint can stifle passion.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Wilson was most often seen behind his fence (with his face mostly obscured), offering moral guidance and wisdom to Tim and the rest of the Taylor family.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
12 June 2026
-
Comer is the perfect counterpoint, a reinvention of a character who was said to be truly horrific in past versions, but here is a woman of great understanding and wisdom nursing Robin Hood back from the brink and giving him an end moment of grace.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
The worst place at a factory to work for was always the screen-printing department—the hot metal and lacquer thinner produce pungent toxins that workers have no choice but to inhale.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
-
The Fantasy 5 evening drawing popped up 5, 11, 15, 24 and 35, a popular choice by man and machine.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Remember, Mercury oversees communication, information, planning and perception, while Saturn brings limits, discipline, scrutiny and reality checks.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
-
The administration investigated Chicago Public Schools and withheld more than $20 million when the district refused to end its Black Student Success Program, which aims to increase access to advanced coursework for Black students and reduce overly harsh discipline.—
Annie Ma,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
The restaurant, which has held its Michelin star for more than 20 years—no small feat in the finicky world of fine dining—continues to draw diners with seasonal course menus, shaped by local suppliers and produce from the estate gardens, as well as its service and sense of occasion.—
Lindsay Cohn,
Travel + Leisure,
13 June 2026
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In the case of the Kiawah Island home, that meant breaking with period convention and lining the view side with window walls, and incorporating a variety of ceiling treatments to help define living spaces (and introduce a sense of scale) within the open plan.—
Fred Albert,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Becerra also had an edge among voters registered as no party preference or registered with other parties — who make up almost a third of the state electorate.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
This idea—that values are revealed through felt preference, not intellectual agreement—runs throughout his work.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretion. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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