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

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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 But the consumer discretionary sector, as measured by the XLY ETF , isn’t doing as well. Fred Imbert, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025 New Mexico allows the governor a certain amount of discretionary funding that can be spent on projects that require significant capital outlay. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025 Other industry sources characterize consumers as more value and deal-oriented than ever, focused on essentials and experiences, and less on discretionary items, yet resilient in their spending behavior. David Moin, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025 However, with the exception of the Indian Health Service, most federal tribal programs are considered discretionary and could be affected. Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discretionary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretionary
Adjective
  • But our skin tones aren’t optional features.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 22 Oct. 2025
  • An optional vintage car tour through the historic center of Turin and a lunch at the storied Ristorante del Cambio will be offered the next day.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Rockets, who surprisingly finished second in the West behind Oklahoma City last season, were dealt a tough blow over the summer, though, when point guard Fred VanVleet was lost for the season to a torn ACL suffered during a voluntary workout.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Wegmans Food Markets issued a voluntary recall of six varieties of cheesecake on September 26 because of undeclared pecans.
    News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discretionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretionary. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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