Synonyms of discretion

discretion

noun

di-ˈskre-shən 

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

• prudence
• wisdom
• sense
• wit
• policy
• intelligence
• common sense
• discreetness
• gumption
• sensibleness
• judgment
• insight
• horse sense
• logicality
• brains
• caution
• levelheadedness
• logicalness
• nous
• practicality
• foresightedness
• foresight
• rationality
• gray matter
• farsightedness
• discrimination
• street smarts
• discernment
• circumspection
• sagacity
• perspicacity
• acumen
• shrewdness
• astuteness
• precaution
• forethoughtfulness
• care
• penetration
• forehandedness
• sapience
• clearheadedness
• keenness
• rationalness
• premeditation

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indiscretion
• imprudence
• carelessness
• stupidity
• shortsightedness
• foolishness
• idiocy
• unreasonableness
• senselessness
• heedlessness
• half-wittedness
• brainlessness

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

• option
• choice
• preference
• liberty
• way
• alternative
• selection
• volition
• election
• pick
• vote
• determination
• druthers
• will
• free will
• judgment
• voice
• say
• inclination
• liking
• predilection
• propensity
• tendency
• penchant
• discernment
• partiality
• proclivity
• perspicacity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• force
• duty
• coercion
• obligation
• duress
• Hobson's choice

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

• restraint
• discipline
• inhibition
• suppression
• repression
• composure
• reserve
• self-control
• constraint
• self-restraint
• possession
• refrainment
• control
• self-command
• continence
• mastery
• will
• self-discipline
• willpower
• distance
• modesty
• silence
• reticence
• command
• aloofness
• self-government
• bashfulness
• self-mastery
• taciturnity
• self-censorship
• shyness
• self-containment
• self-possession
• self-poise
• self-denial
• detachedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incontinence
• disinhibition
• indulgence
• gratification
• unconstraint
• frankness
• candor
• bluntness
• overindulgence
• uninhibitedness
• intemperance
• self-abandonment
• unrestrainedness
• self-indulgence
• immoderacy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of discretion

Hertz, who argued the sheriff’s case after Riverside’s county counsel largely sided with the plaintiffs, said Bianco simply exercised his legal discretion. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

There’s no unwinding in the serene nature and crisp German air of Baden-Baden, the historic town long associated with restorative living, and that seamless discretion is entirely the point. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026

Known professionally as Nanny Connie, the 67-year-old family and childcare expert has built a career that revolves around structure, empathy and discretion rather than fame. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026

That wider political debate formed the backdrop to Calkins’s column, but his resignation raises a separate question about editorial discretion and the latitude afforded to newspaper columnists. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026