as in optional
subject to one's freedom of choice
discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 discretionary
The Washington Post notes that discretionary spending totaled $1.6 trillion in the 2024.
—
Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025
Consumer discretionary stocks were weaker too, led lower by the auto stocks and travel and leisure names.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025
While not suitable for all expenses, like online payments, the envelope system works well for discretionary spending, offering structure and accountability.
—True Tamplin, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Inflation has driven up supermarket prices in recent years, causing average Americans to cut back on discretionary spending and seek out bargains.
—Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discretionary 
Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025
Consumer discretionary stocks were weaker too, led lower by the auto stocks and travel and leisure names.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025
While not suitable for all expenses, like online payments, the envelope system works well for discretionary spending, offering structure and accountability.
—True Tamplin, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Inflation has driven up supermarket prices in recent years, causing average Americans to cut back on discretionary spending and seek out bargains.
—Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discretionary
Thesaurus Entries Near discretionary
Cite this Entry
“Discretionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discretionary. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share