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
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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
Under the current system, the council’s discretion to overturn such decisions is limited to when there has been a procedural error — not disagreements about historic value.
—
David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
The rules grant the Education Secretary discretion to determine ineligibility by weighing court judgments, legal settlements, or other evidence, sometimes even absent a formal conviction.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
Holder’s prosecutorial discretion also raised objections.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2025
Yet the Fertittas have discretion over collection.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discretion
David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
The rules grant the Education Secretary discretion to determine ineligibility by weighing court judgments, legal settlements, or other evidence, sometimes even absent a formal conviction.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
Holder’s prosecutorial discretion also raised objections.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2025
Yet the Fertittas have discretion over collection.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discretion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretion
Noun
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Additionally, a boom-and-bust cycle in the early 2000s informs some of the company’s prudence on expansion.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s military should exercise prudence in its rules of engagement and not assume that every close call is intentional.—
JOEL WUTHNOW,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The interim government turned to China and Pakistan to rebalance Bangladesh’s options and secure tangible gains in defense cooperation and economic assistance.—
MUHIB RAHMAN,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
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Coffee drinks brewed with Magnolia Coffee, tea, smoothies and pastries were available, along with breakfast options, handhelds and pizzas.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The civil suit alleged the restraint lasted eight minutes.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Per state guidelines and Ohio Administrative Code, physical restraint must be used as a last resort and only when there is an immediate risk of physical harm to the student or others.—
Grace Tucker,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Brought together by filmmaker Saúl Alvídrez, these two radical elders share passion, politics, and wisdom.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
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Sagittarius is the truth-seeker of the zodiac, and its archetype is symbolic of wisdom, expansion and venturing outside of one’s comfort zone.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The best heroes are beloved because their choices — admirable, messy, or otherwise — are hard ones made in service of something greater.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
7 Nov. 2025
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The two were impeccably dressed as Gomez and Morticia Addams, which is a canonically Gay couple costume choice — Lakshmi, as Morticia, was holding scissors in one of the posts, for crying out loud.—
James Factora,
Them.,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Dames’ intention is to turn the headquarters into a creative hub and point of convergence of different disciplines, driven by collaborations.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Changing the Kremlin’s understanding of its prospects will require sustained pressure and discipline.—
Jack Watling,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
These swatches are arranged at different angles to create a sense of chaos, and the pom at the top of the bonnet is replicated as a lace attachment.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
11 Nov. 2025
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If the coach decides to break that cycle, the Giants and their dynamic young quarterback should make all the sense in the world to him.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
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George's only preference would be for the team to pick up more wins.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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Those who didn’t love this one said their preference is to not have the whole fruit pieces.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretion. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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