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
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.
Recent Examples of discretion
Coach Billy Donovan cited Giddey’s extensive record with ankle tweaks and strains — including a notable one at the end of last season — as a source of confidence for the medical team in Giddey’s discretion regarding his injuries.
—
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
The bill goes on to say that designation as a terror organization is at the discretion of Florida’s Chief of Domestic Security.
—David Kay, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
And with last summer’s Big Beautiful Bill Act stripping the BLM of its discretion to protect any area from leasing, few recreation destinations on federal land is safe from the same fate.
—Alex Heard, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
If Iran were unable or unwilling to participate in the World Cup, FIFA, per its own regulations, would have broad discretion to call in a replacement team or adjust the tournament accordingly.
—Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discretion
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
The bill goes on to say that designation as a terror organization is at the discretion of Florida’s Chief of Domestic Security.
—David Kay, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
And with last summer’s Big Beautiful Bill Act stripping the BLM of its discretion to protect any area from leasing, few recreation destinations on federal land is safe from the same fate.
—Alex Heard, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
If Iran were unable or unwilling to participate in the World Cup, FIFA, per its own regulations, would have broad discretion to call in a replacement team or adjust the tournament accordingly.
—Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discretion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretion
Noun
-
This is not the time for fiscal prudence for the Sharks.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Davion Mitchell has been here before, the risk-reward crossroads between going full speed, shoulder first through a hard screen or practicing prudence.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Proposition 50 also split the sprawling district held by Kiley, a Republican from Rocklin, into six pieces, leaving the Northern California congressman and frequent Newsom critic with few good options.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Some bond options traders are now betting the Fed may not cut rates at all this year.—
Marcus Wong,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Because college football players can’t unionize and bargain rules, anti-tampering and other prohibitions aren’t exempt from antitrust scrutiny and can be challenged as unreasonable restraints on trade and price-fixing schemes.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Heller notes that restraint matters too—excessive throw pillows can make a primary bedroom feel fussy.—
Jacorey Moon,
Architectural Digest,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Protect your peace so wisdom arrives in stillness.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
-
That's the wisdom of our universe.—
Kara Frame,
NPR,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Atrani In Positano’s quieter Fornillo area, this three-bedroom villa includes multiple terraces and garden spaces for dining, lounging, and sunset BBQs—and is a smart choice for those traveling with a larger group.—
Angela Tafoya,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
-
March 21 – April 19 Day-to-day choices pack surprising potential for peace.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There was the loss of many of the discipline engineers who were necessary to assess the labor requirements for the mission.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The board’s responsibilities include looking into the academy’s morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, financial affairs, academic methods and other matters.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The small, walkable village of Tubac is the ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway, one with dozens of unique galleries that embrace a sense of place in the Sonoran Desert.—
Molly Allen,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
-
But there was something profound about the sense of connection and engagement that all kinds of writing gave him.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The food and drink Guests discuss menu preferences in advance and an appropriate chef will be brought in accordingly to provide three meals a day, plus cakes at tea.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The report also investigated genre trends in 2025 to further dissect audience preferences.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretion. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
