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
About 76% of the city budget consists of city employee salaries and benefits, along with discretionary costs, per the report.
—
Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
The research firm said discretionary retail visits dipped below prior-year levels in late April, and by mid-May, even essential, non-discretionary chains saw a year-over-year decline.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
It cannot be used for discretionary spending.
—Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 3 June 2026
From his perspective, the recent guidance should be viewed as an indication that discretionary review may receive greater scrutiny rather than as the elimination of adjustment of status pathways altogether.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for discretionary
Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
The research firm said discretionary retail visits dipped below prior-year levels in late April, and by mid-May, even essential, non-discretionary chains saw a year-over-year decline.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
It cannot be used for discretionary spending.
—Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 3 June 2026
From his perspective, the recent guidance should be viewed as an indication that discretionary review may receive greater scrutiny rather than as the elimination of adjustment of status pathways altogether.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for discretionary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretionary
Adjective
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The optional add-on service will not guarantee visa approvals, and the State Department will name which missions offer it before launch, with any extension hinging on traveler demand.—
Matthew Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
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Once boundaries are established, the collar delivers warnings (like tones or optional static feedback) if your dog approaches or crosses the set perimeter, helping reinforce training over time.—
Rachel Cortez,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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That distinction helps explain why federal agencies appear willing to collaborate with AI developers through voluntary testing programs while simultaneously maintaining detailed compliance frameworks for crypto firms.—
Sean Stein Smith,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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Another approach to cutting down the workforce is voluntary layoffs, a move that rewards loyal workers.—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Discretionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretionary. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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