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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Some meals exceeded the state’s $50-per-person limit, but the chancellor has discretion to go beyond the limit.
—
Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2025
Telling stories about other private citizens online without regard for discretion or their best interest can be profitable.
—Kelsey McKinney, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025
Wilken has discretion to discount an objection raised anonymously since anonymity prevents the judge from questioning the objector.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 7 Feb. 2025
The other side: Officials at OPM pointed Axios to a memo the department issued on Trump's first day in office that says agencies have discretion to offer more leave.
—Emily Peck, Axios, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for discretion 
Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2025
Telling stories about other private citizens online without regard for discretion or their best interest can be profitable.
—Kelsey McKinney, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025
Wilken has discretion to discount an objection raised anonymously since anonymity prevents the judge from questioning the objector.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 7 Feb. 2025
The other side: Officials at OPM pointed Axios to a memo the department issued on Trump's first day in office that says agencies have discretion to offer more leave.
—Emily Peck, Axios, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for discretion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretion
Noun
-
India’s Nifty 50 index climbed around 0.8% ahead of the country’s Union Budget on Saturday, in which the government has to balance fiscal prudence with economic stimulus.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2025
-
That prudence paid off earlier this week when China’s DeepSeek unveiled its free AI open-source technology.—
Jeff Kilburg,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Other amenities include the Parakeets Kid’s Club for young guests, St. Somewhere Spa for the grownups, and dining options for the whole family. 6.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA TODAY,
10 Feb. 2025
-
This will also include selecting the options that will best communicate the impacts of space weather and most benefit modern-day end users and the public.—
Meredith Garofalo,
Space.com,
9 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
It was struck down by the courts, which said such rules were an unfair restraint on the ability of athletes to capitalize on their NIL rights.—
Seth Emerson,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
-
But when taken together, the quotes suggest a belief there are few practical or legal restraints on a president.—
Axios,
Axios,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The image of monkey god Hanuman, representing wisdom, strength, courage, devotion and self-discipline, is prominently placed in the series, which pits Western notions of wealth and materialism against Buddhist concepts of selflessness and spirituality.—
Jordan Riefe,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Feb. 2025
-
Gryffindor stands for bravery, courage and chivalry; Hufflepuff is known for loyalty, kindness and hard work; Ravenclaw values wisdom, wit and a love of learning; Slytherin represents ambition, resourcefulness and determination.—
Kelsey Lentz,
People.com,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
So then the Pixies choice eventually evolved into Living Colour.—
Billboard Staff,
Billboard,
20 Feb. 2025
-
Quinn Hughes, the choice to replace him, is not with Team USA due to some light chaos with Hughes’ NHL team, the Vancouver Canucks.—
Chris Branch,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
If not, consider how incorporating the discipline of stillness into your life could be of benefit to you.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
-
State complaints, discipline and Brazilian butt lift injury or death present nothing new for New Life Plastic Surgery, 8400 SW Eighth St., which lists Morales among its surgeons.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
How can home health employees restore a sense of well-being for their clients in an environment where every familiar touchpoint is gone?—
Josh Klein,
New York Daily News,
9 Feb. 2025
-
Most of the actors in the film are alumni of the theatre program from the film, which led Alexander and Quesada to focus on the sense of freedom after rehabilitation for the song.—
Ryan Fleming,
Deadline,
9 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
This preference is more popular amongst Millennials (67%) compared to Boomers (37%).—
Gary Drenik,
Forbes,
10 Feb. 2023
-
That preference was on display in August last year, when the KMT’s Hsia visited China amid lingering tensions over Pelosi’s visit.—
Bloomberg.com,
Bloomberg.com,
7 Feb. 2023
Articles Related to discretion
Thesaurus Entries Near discretion
Cite this Entry
“Discretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretion. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share