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
For shareholders, of note will be the potential impact on discretionary funds available for distribution, including dividends, share buybacks and bonus payments.
—
Ruxandra Iordache,april Roach, CNBC, 6 June 2025
For example, over four years beginning in June 2020, Do directed millions of dollars in pandemic-era funding to Viet America Society through his First District discretionary funds for a meals program for the elderly and people with disabilities, starting with an initial $5 million that June.
—Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
That sentiment may be particularly true for discretionary categories, including fashion and apparel.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 6 June 2025
In recent months, its customers have pulled back on discretionary purchases amid growing anxiety over the economy and inflation.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for discretionary
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Ruxandra Iordache,april Roach, CNBC, 6 June 2025
For example, over four years beginning in June 2020, Do directed millions of dollars in pandemic-era funding to Viet America Society through his First District discretionary funds for a meals program for the elderly and people with disabilities, starting with an initial $5 million that June.
—Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
That sentiment may be particularly true for discretionary categories, including fashion and apparel.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 6 June 2025
In recent months, its customers have pulled back on discretionary purchases amid growing anxiety over the economy and inflation.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 5 June 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 10 Jun. 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.
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