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
Massachusetts Federal District Judge Indira Talwani ruled against that argument, saying that the government has the option to provide reduced benefits with the contingency funds or shift other discretionary funds to cover the shortfall.
—
James Powel, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
Some schools may approve educational trips if families can demonstrate a learning purpose and arrange assignments in advance, but, even then, approval is discretionary.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Sometimes, a supervisor can make a discretionary call if the mark seems minor.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
This means, cutting back on takeout and cooking more at home, pausing a couple extracurricular activities, and cutting all discretionary shopping.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discretionary
James Powel, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
Some schools may approve educational trips if families can demonstrate a learning purpose and arrange assignments in advance, but, even then, approval is discretionary.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Sometimes, a supervisor can make a discretionary call if the mark seems minor.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
This means, cutting back on takeout and cooking more at home, pausing a couple extracurricular activities, and cutting all discretionary shopping.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discretionary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretionary
Adjective
-
And think of self-care as essential, not optional.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Although the positions are voluntary, state law does not prohibit board members from setting compensation for themselves once appointed.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Nov. 2025
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The market for voluntary carbon offset and removal credits has been struggling for the last several years to repair a reputation sullied by numerous greenwashing scandals.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discretionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretionary. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
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