Thesaurus results for DISCRETIONARY

discretionary

adjective

di-ˈskre-shə-ˌner-ē

Definition of discretionary next

as in optional

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 discretionary Mark Hamrick, a senior economic analyst with Bankrate, says households should focus on prioritizing essential spending over discretionary purchases. —

Tania Francois, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026 Research also suggests that travel is becoming the top discretionary spending category for affluent travelers. —

Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 15 Apr. 2026 Non-defense discretionary programs include support for education and training, public health and medical research, food and nutrition programs, federal law enforcement, and so on. —

Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026 But by then, the money had already been spent on discretionary staffing at the expense of basic services. —

Mark Powell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discretionary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretionary

Adjective

His father was active in the local synagogue, and Rosenwald himself received a Jewish education that some scholars say instilled the idea of tzedakah as obligation rather than optional charity.

— Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
Plus, there are optional educational opportunities each week with doctors, nutritionists, physical therapists, professional coaches, and other running and walking experts.

— AJC Staff, AJC.com, 20 Apr. 2026