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
Fadler also gently advised using discretion when photographing the royals from afar.
—
Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026
Despite this, the association said recess remains at the discretion of individual teachers in many schools throughout the country.
—Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Winner may not substitute, assign, or transfer the Prize or redeem the Prize for cash, but Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to substitute the Prize (or any portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value.
—AJC.com, 18 June 2026
This may be particularly effective if prosecutors also use their discretion to decline more undeserving cases up front, treating the use of taxpayer dollars on prosecution as something that requires deliberate justification rather than something that happens by default.
—Rebecca Dunlea, The Conversation, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for discretion
Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026
Despite this, the association said recess remains at the discretion of individual teachers in many schools throughout the country.
—Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Winner may not substitute, assign, or transfer the Prize or redeem the Prize for cash, but Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to substitute the Prize (or any portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value.
—AJC.com, 18 June 2026
This may be particularly effective if prosecutors also use their discretion to decline more undeserving cases up front, treating the use of taxpayer dollars on prosecution as something that requires deliberate justification rather than something that happens by default.
—Rebecca Dunlea, The Conversation, 17 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
-
Global economies have already weighed energy options beyond the Middle East, as the war in Iran has put irreversible pressure on the oil industry, according to Karen Young, a researcher at Columbia University.—
Deva Lee,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
-
For shoppers who aren’t on board with the barrel trend, this daisy print option offers a more streamlined version.—
Mia McManus,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
In the case of these earrings, restraint was paramount.—
Jill Newman,
Robb Report,
18 June 2026
-
For disabled students already navigating discrimination, bullying, and in some cases dangerous seclusion and restraint practices with fewer advocacy resources than ever, the question of who will investigate and enforce their rights just got a lot murkier.—
Keely Cat-Wells,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Relationships become a wisdom source.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
-
Algorithms identify patterns, but wisdom depends on human insight.—
Andy Busser,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Park conditions change constantly and visitors' choice of activities and level of preparedness are big factors in determining risk.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
-
Bad choices like that are a through-line for this whole story, all the way back to Otto Hightower encouraging his daughter, Alicent, to befriend Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys.—
Sean T. Collins,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
Technical excellence is paramount, but so is the ability to take risks, learn from your mistakes and work at the edge and intersections of disciplines to transform ideas into knowledge and action.—
Rachel Nuwer,
Scientific American,
16 June 2026
-
Marie says each piece of work carries a story about childhood, discipline, survival and the complicated ways love can be expressed.—
Nia Dumas,
NPR,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Cancer season shifts your focus towards nurturing a felt sense of security.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
-
Starmer has vowed to fight any leadership contest, deepening the sense of crisis within the Labour Party.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
The platform learns client preferences—from aircraft type to onboard amenities to destinations—for customized use.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
18 June 2026
-
That can be fine for travelers who are flexible, but less ideal for anyone sensitive to noise or motion, or with a preference to be close to an elevator, for example.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretion. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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