as in optional
subject to one's freedom of choice
discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 discretionary
Whiskey maker Brown-Forman shares fell more than 17% after the company missed earnings estimates in the final three months of its fiscal year due to tariffs and weak discretionary spending on alcohol.
—
Medora Lee, USA Today, 5 June 2025
For shareholders, of note will be the potential impact on discretionary funds available for distribution, including dividends, share buybacks and bonus payments.
—Ruxandra Iordache,april Roach, CNBC, 6 June 2025
For example, over four years beginning in June 2020, Do directed millions of dollars in pandemic-era funding to Viet America Society through his First District discretionary funds for a meals program for the elderly and people with disabilities, starting with an initial $5 million that June.
—Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
That sentiment may be particularly true for discretionary categories, including fashion and apparel.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for discretionary
Medora Lee, USA Today, 5 June 2025
For shareholders, of note will be the potential impact on discretionary funds available for distribution, including dividends, share buybacks and bonus payments.
—Ruxandra Iordache,april Roach, CNBC, 6 June 2025
For example, over four years beginning in June 2020, Do directed millions of dollars in pandemic-era funding to Viet America Society through his First District discretionary funds for a meals program for the elderly and people with disabilities, starting with an initial $5 million that June.
—Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
That sentiment may be particularly true for discretionary categories, including fashion and apparel.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for discretionary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretionary
Adjective
-
Media partners see revenue shares ranging from 35 to 55 percent, along with optional setup fees and GDPR-compliant privacy protections.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
-
Diners can also add on an optional wine pairing for an additional fee.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
In recent days, the U.S. began pulling some diplomats from Iraq’s capital and offering voluntary evacuations for the families of U.S. troops in the wider Middle East.—
Christopher Bodeen,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2025
-
While admission to the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is free, voluntary donations of $4 for adults and $2 for children are welcome.—
Molly Guthrey,
Twin Cities,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discretionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretionary. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share