DISCRETIONARY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

discretionary

adjective

di-ˈskre-shə-ˌner-ē

Definition of discretionary next

as in optional

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

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of discretionary Wu was also criticized this week by two city councilors, Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy, for allocating new discretionary block party grant funding for the FIFA World Cup. —

Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026 Mark Hamrick, a senior economic analyst with Bankrate, says households should focus on prioritizing essential spending over discretionary purchases. —

Tania Francois, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026 Research also suggests that travel is becoming the top discretionary spending category for affluent travelers. —

Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 15 Apr. 2026 Non-defense discretionary programs include support for education and training, public health and medical research, food and nutrition programs, federal law enforcement, and so on. —

Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discretionary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretionary

Adjective

Starting this summer, employees will again be required to wear red shirts with blue jeans or khakis, though vests will remain optional.

— Star Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Accountability is not optional.

— Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026