as in optional
subject to one's freedom of choice
discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year
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Recent Examples of discretionary
The transaction comes at a difficult time for the retail industry and in particular, the footwear sector, which relies on discretionary spending and overseas supply chains that are now in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump’s trade war.
—
Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 5 May 2025
In late March, the Trump administration announced plans to cut some discretionary federal health spending and transform several health agencies.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
The financial technology company behind Cash App cited a pullback in consumer spending on travel and other discretionary items as a key reason for the results.
—Alex Veiga, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2025
President Trump's budget proposal would cut 22% of non-defense discretionary spending next year while significantly increasing defense spending, according to a senior official with the Office of Management and Budget and information provided by the White House.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for discretionary
Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 5 May 2025
In late March, the Trump administration announced plans to cut some discretionary federal health spending and transform several health agencies.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
The financial technology company behind Cash App cited a pullback in consumer spending on travel and other discretionary items as a key reason for the results.
—Alex Veiga, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2025
President Trump's budget proposal would cut 22% of non-defense discretionary spending next year while significantly increasing defense spending, according to a senior official with the Office of Management and Budget and information provided by the White House.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for discretionary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretionary
Adjective
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As mentioned, the Bellbird comes with a lot of optional upgrades and there are too many to list in full.—
Adam Williams
May 17,
New Atlas,
17 May 2025
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Brand building, trust and positioning are essential, not optional.—
Raja Walia,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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First, the team worked with cat owners to obtain voluntary samples.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
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As hurricane season is about to begin, the NWS is now offering voluntary reassignment opportunities to the remaining employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to fill 155 positions in offices around the country.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discretionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretionary. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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