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
Examples 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
Loading your audio article New York City’s public school system is loosening the requirements of its ambitious literacy push, providing schools with more discretion to tweak curriculum and move at the pace of their students.
—
Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 6 Dec. 2024
The president has considerable discretion in how federal laws are enforced.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
More serious issues are handled individually at the staff’s discretion.
—Laura Daily and Bryan K. Chavez, The Denver Post, 2 Dec. 2024
But the particular rule regarding kohanim and converts is rabbinic, not Biblical, which—arguably—allows a degree of discretion.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discretion 
Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 6 Dec. 2024
The president has considerable discretion in how federal laws are enforced.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
More serious issues are handled individually at the staff’s discretion.
—Laura Daily and Bryan K. Chavez, The Denver Post, 2 Dec. 2024
But the particular rule regarding kohanim and converts is rabbinic, not Biblical, which—arguably—allows a degree of discretion.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discretion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discretion
Noun
-
But can companies go further—and take sustainability and financial prudence to the next level?Claus Jepsen, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
-
And yet many outside observers saw in Iran’s attack a degree of prudence.Afshon Ostovar, Foreign Affairs, 19 Apr. 2024
Noun
-
Christian Dior, which is what Hudson’s appears to be, may be out of your budget, but this is a more viable option that’s even more discounted right now.Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
-
Paying almost $1000 for a phone that will be replaced by a new model might not be the best option.Janhoi McGregor, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Use of force In the DOJ investigation released last March, federal officials said LMPD officers used excessive force too often, including unjustified neck restraints and unnecessary use of tasers and police dogs.Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 13 Dec. 2024
-
Medical examiners mentioned physical restraint and Tasers, in part, in some of the causes of those deaths.Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The maturity of the record speaks to the growth that comes with age and wisdom — both are in their 50s — and the nagging discourse that hip-hop is a young person’s sport.Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024
-
Compassion practice opens the door to our heart and our wisdom in a way that invites us to offer an act of kindness t ourselves.Janice Marturano, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The narrow definition of who the competition was meant merging two competitors in a market posed a bigger risk to consumers of less choice and potentially higher prices.Alexander Coolidge, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
-
By understanding strategic choices along the dimension of technology as well as markets, fintech leaders - whether founders or executives - can identify clear opportunities for growth and innovation.London Business School, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The familiar problems with interceptions, lack of discipline and missed kicks keep popping up.Zac Jackson, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
-
Adhering to the right process fosters discipline and attentiveness, qualities that enhance your ability to learn and adapt.Joseph Sudhip, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The five human senses include sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
-
Stylistically, the songs wander from jaunty rock to roaring metal to solemn spoken word, but every verse is united by a low hum of feeling, the sense of great truth slowly rising into view.Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
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 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share