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
Courtesy Bryan Williams During the Biden administration, immigration officials were ordered to exercise discretion on a case-by-case basis and to prioritize deportation for immigrants with criminal convictions who were a threat to national or public safety.
—
Daniella Silva, NBC news, 19 June 2025
Any additional exceptions, including the designation of major sporting events, will be at the discretion of the Secretary of State, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State.
—Justin Williams, New York Times, 19 June 2025
This means your employer may have the discretion to set the parameters differentiating full-time from part-time status.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 17 June 2025
There are just 24 Companions, and appointments are at the monarch's sole discretion to recognize public service or personal service to the sovereign.
—Simon Perry, People.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for discretion
Daniella Silva, NBC news, 19 June 2025
Any additional exceptions, including the designation of major sporting events, will be at the discretion of the Secretary of State, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State.
—Justin Williams, New York Times, 19 June 2025
This means your employer may have the discretion to set the parameters differentiating full-time from part-time status.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 17 June 2025
There are just 24 Companions, and appointments are at the monarch's sole discretion to recognize public service or personal service to the sovereign.
—Simon Perry, People.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for discretion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretion
Noun
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Lopez also has an ambitious and uninhibited way of speaking that is far removed from the prudence of players from older generations.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
4 July 2025
-
While this action may convince some that China is a paper tiger, for others, especially Iran’s Arab rivals, it is seen as a sign of prudence.—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Luckily, so many great options just went on sale for the fourth of July, with brands like Sam Edelman, Steve Madden, and Tommy Hilifger coming in at new-low prices.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
1 July 2025
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That might mean building more recovery time into high-pressure roles, offering better internal mobility options, or training managers in better communication techniques.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Shams Charania’s debut as part of ESPN’s NBA Draft coverage last week doubled as a herculean exercise in restraint.—
Peter A. Berry,
Rolling Stone,
29 June 2025
-
Most were secular, or observed religion privately and with restraint.—
Kian Tajbakhsh,
The Atlantic,
27 June 2025
Noun
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As the demographic crisis begins to take hold of the Western world, leaders will ignore the wisdom of wisdom at their own peril.—
Dan Pontefract,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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But crazy times actually demand wisdom and perspective.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
26 June 2025
Noun
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Restaurants and Bars Dining on Westerdam is all about choice.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Travel + Leisure,
1 July 2025
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March 2025 The Lovers: March seems to be a month of making major choices and aligning with your future self, Pisces.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
Noun
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But the promise of fiscal discipline has become a straightjacket.—
Oliver Eagleton,
Time,
5 July 2025
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Our options are to chase growth and tolerate inflation siphoning away most of the progress, impose austerity and trigger a populist backlash, or adopt a neutral monetary protocol and accept the discipline that comes with it.—
Dave Birnbaum,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
The clothes gave the sense that Jacobs and his team must have had a ball coming up with these creations.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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This checklist should be thought both in the sense of a weekly or monthly planning and on the actual cleaning time itself.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
1 July 2025
Noun
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Before the month comes to a close, Mercury will station retrograde in Leo, activating your 12th house of secrets, surrender and your subconscious, bringing up old memories or inhibitions that have been clouding your clarity.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
8 July 2025
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Reservations and inhibitions have a way of slipping away in the Snake Pit.—
Shari Rudavsky,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretion. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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