discretionary
adjective
dis·cre·tion·ary
di-ˈskre-shə-ˌner-ē 
1
: left to individual choice or judgment : exercised at one's own discretion
discretionary powers
2
: available for discretionary use
discretionary income
Examples of discretionary in a Sentence
discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year
Recent Examples on the Web
The top sub-sectors were semiconductors, technology hardware, and national defense distribution, while coal, consumer discretionary distribution, and household appliances were the worst.
—
Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Others propose cutting discretionary spending, but these programs account for only one-third of the federal budget, making even the most aggressive cuts politically unacceptable without making much dent in our debt.
—Veronique De Rugy, Orange County Register, 14 Feb. 2025
What To Know While the nationwide economic blackout applies to all discretionary spending, the organizers are targeting some retailers in particular.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
She’s delayed dental and medical care for herself — including follow-up screenings after a tumor was removed — cut out discretionary spending, including extracurricular activities for her three kids.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discretionary
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.
Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Others propose cutting discretionary spending, but these programs account for only one-third of the federal budget, making even the most aggressive cuts politically unacceptable without making much dent in our debt.
—Veronique De Rugy, Orange County Register, 14 Feb. 2025
What To Know While the nationwide economic blackout applies to all discretionary spending, the organizers are targeting some retailers in particular.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
She’s delayed dental and medical care for herself — including follow-up screenings after a tumor was removed — cut out discretionary spending, including extracurricular activities for her three kids.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discretionary
Cite this Entry
“Discretionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discretionary. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
discretionary
adjective
dis·cre·tion·ary
dis-ˈkre-shə-ˌner-ē
: left to discretion : exercised at one's own discretion
specifically
: relating to the policy-making function of a public official see also Federal Tort Claims Act compare ministerial
Note: A public official generally has qualified immunity from lawsuits that arise from his or her discretionary acts.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share