discretion

noun

di-ˈskre-shən How to pronounce discretion (audio)
Definition of discretionnext
1
as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters we'll rely on your discretion in handling this accusation of cheating

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in option
the power, right, or opportunity to choose ambassadorships are generally regarded as subject to the president's discretion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in restraint
the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others in that job you'll be expected to show discretion and act like a professional at all times

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 discretion For one, the appeals court found that private schools receiving vouchers retain discretion to decide which students to accept. — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 Cultivating your own point of view before using AI is essential for practicing discretion with it, according to Beaty. — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 There is no official rule that requires teams to give rings to every player, as ring distribution is at the discretion of team ownership and management. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 The debate also centers on whether a single national framework can protect the public without giving regulators excessive discretion. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discretion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretion
  1. prudence
  2. option
  3. restraint
  4. wisdom
  5. choice
  6. discipline
  7. sense
  8. preference
Noun
  • The word prudence seems to be missing as more and more debt is issued.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Investors also have little confidence that fiscal prudence will return anytime soon.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of prudence
Noun
  • The Royals could also decline All-Star closer Carlos Estévez’s club option.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Ukraine believes security guarantees backed by Western allies are essential to any future settlement, ideally in the form of NATO membership — an option Vladimir Putin has rejected.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of option
Noun
  • Kitchen also had to develop a little more restraint — something that doesn't always come naturally in a sport where riders are constantly pushing the limits of speed and control.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Sullivan faces two counts of first-degree kidnapping and a single count each of first-degree assault, first-degree unlawful restraint and intentional cruelty to persons.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of restraint
Noun
  • The Democrat, who supports Jackson, thinks there’s wisdom in trying to avoid gaffes that distract from Collins.
    — Julia Terruso, Time, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Peralta’s revival shows how postseason fortunes can defy conventional baseball wisdom and earn second chances for players.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • His parents and family have a choice – to accept their child’s autonomy or not.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Wayne Hamilton, a former executive director of the Texas Republican Party, said Paxton's history of legal and ethical problems could have some conservatives looking for another choice.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of choice
Noun
  • And his prescription is tighter discipline — a major theme of the four day party meeting.
    — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Law enforcement and schools districts continually urge parents to warn their children of the consequences of making false or written threats, including facing a felony charge and school discipline.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of discipline
Noun
  • The tightness of White’s control over his arrangements can occasionally foreclose the sense of chaotic freedom inherent to his more collaborative efforts.
    — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • This approach was meant to counter Vucic's one-man rule and restore a sense of community and solidarity.
    — JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • An agent can work in the background, remember preferences, monitor information and handle tasks across various websites and apps.
    — Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Glance functions like a personal shopper, remembering the users’ preferences, scouring the web for good deals on the right looks and circling back to offer up virtual try-ons and get the green light before making the purchase.
    — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of preference

Browse Nearby Words

discreteness
discretion
discretionary
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Cite this Entry

“Discretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretion. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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