DISCRETIONARY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

discretionary

adjective

di-ˈskre-shə-ˌner-ē

Definition of discretionary

as in optional

subject to one's freedom of choice discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year

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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 discretionary If the stock market corrects and the top 20% pulls back on discretionary spending, a diminished middle class leaves the economy with a weaker floor to fall back on. — Katica Roy, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2026 As prices rise at the pump, consumers have less money left to spend on discretionary purchases. — Jeff Marks,zev Fima, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026 The grants are primarily funded through the Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation Fund at the Hartford Foundation with additional dollars from other donors and foundation’s discretionary funding, according to the organization. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026 In participatory budgeting, several wards, as well as the Chicago Park District, set aside portions of discretionary funds for projects endorsed by residents. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discretionary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretionary

Adjective

Expect large, sunny stretches of clothing-optional beaches drawing swimmers and sun-bathers alike.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
Adding a business VoIP system or any social media accounts is optional.

— Dianna Gunn, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of optional

Adjective

The Show-Me State is also one of 24 states that doesn’t have right-to-work laws, which is key to guarantee union membership and financial support are voluntary for workers.

— Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Given that personal insistence, the election – in which 49 veterans of the Ukraine war were elected – is more likely to be used as evidence that Russia rewards its soldiers with plum political jobs, as a means of boosting voluntary recruitment.

— Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of voluntary

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discretion

discretionary

discretions

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“Discretionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretionary. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of discretionary

adjective

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