DISCRETIONARY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

discretionary

adjective

di-ˈskre-shə-ˌner-ē

Definition of discretionary

as in optional

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

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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 The new rule only addresses how airlines are asked to report the cause of the delay to the DOT, and will not prevent airlines from providing delay amenities on a discretionary basis. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2026 Experts say such higher pump prices will continue to squeeze lower-income shoppers, while higher-income shoppers buoyed by stock market gains will keep splurging on discretionary purchases. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 On forfeits, the WIAA argued that its rules allowing additional penalties for certain withdrawals apply to postseason competition and that any such penalty is discretionary. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Trump has already cut discretionary spending for critical investments – education, environment, healthcare, and scientific research – that keep America strong, safe, and secure. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discretionary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretionary

Adjective

His father, Scott, was a marketing research professor at the school and home football Saturdays in Provo weren’t optional.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
But multiple tripod mounts facilitate the use of optional accessories, like an extended grip and the aforementioned viewfinder.

— Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of optional

Adjective

The work that the private sector does with it and its British counterpart is voluntary and not required by law.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026
The offer follows a voluntary retirement program announced at Microsoft this past spring and 4,800 jobs cut in July.

— Ian Thomas,Colleen McKown, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of voluntary

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discretion

discretionary

discretions

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“Discretionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretionary. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of discretionary

adjective

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