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
If a patient’s condition is more serious, crew members have discretion to request assistance from medical professionals who are passengers.
—
Tushara Surapaneni, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
The other $25 billion will be based on the sole discretion of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and will take into account the rural makeup of states plus other factors, such as potential for impact.
—Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2026
Around the club, people know Smith as a cleric of fine taste and discretion.
—Sam Kestenbaum, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026
Schottenheimer also indicated that the duration of Prescott’s playing time can be changed at his discretion.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discretion
Tushara Surapaneni, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
The other $25 billion will be based on the sole discretion of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and will take into account the rural makeup of states plus other factors, such as potential for impact.
—Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2026
Around the club, people know Smith as a cleric of fine taste and discretion.
—Sam Kestenbaum, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026
Schottenheimer also indicated that the duration of Prescott’s playing time can be changed at his discretion.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discretion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretion
Noun
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Today, similar prudence animates concerns about NATO and broader trans-Atlantic ties in an era when Europe has undergone profound transformations through mass migration, supranational governance, demographic decline, and shifting cultural priorities.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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The organizations also claim that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s prudence requirement doesn’t allow NIPSCO to recover costs expended pursuant to an unlawful directive, according to the letter.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Take a cue from Nicole Kidman and swap bulky trainers for a sleeker option that styles effortlessly from the plane to wherever the day takes you.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Silver plans are a middle-tier option that the ACA marketplaces offer for qualifying consumers.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But restraint does not mean passivity.—
Phil Morris The Minnesota Star Tribune,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The American Conservative was founded on foreign policy restraint, trade realism, and migration sanity in 2002.—
Jennifer Kavanagh,
Washington Post,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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New York — Collective wisdom holds that an independent central bank is absolutely vital for any advanced economy.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Rich Polk—Getty Images Advertisement In their infinite wisdom, the Golden Globes invited Snoop Dogg to present the Best Podcast award.—
Melissa Locker,
Time,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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For a more specialized fit, the Petite Wide-leg Pants are an excellent choice for shorter shoppers, while the Curvy Wide-leg Pants are just as comfortable and flattering (and on sale for almost $40 off).—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
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This is evidence that color drenching is a more recent design choice and might not be timeless.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Eberflus’ best intentions and vision for winning football disintegrated due in part to his team’s lack of discipline and the coaching staff’s inability to steer out of even the smallest skids.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
However, the Chinese researchers argue that those systems typically focus on fewer disciplines and often require manual adjustments when expanded.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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So there's really no choice but for the four major conference commissioners to compile a set of rules and guidelines that make at least a marginal bit of sense.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Create a sense of order by clearing those surfaces of holiday-specific decor.—
Kristin Hohenadel,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This is partly due to personal preference, but leaving plants standing through winter also helps certain plants grow better and even provides perks to local wildlife.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
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Staff greet returning guests by name and remember preferences without prompting.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretion. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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