Discretionary — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /di-ˈskre-shə-ˌner-ē/ dis·cre·tion·ary

Meaning & Definition of Discretionary

Discretionary (adjective)

  1. left to individual choice or judgment, exercised at one's own discretion
  2. available for discretionary use

Discretionary (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. subject to one's freedom of choice

    "discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year"

    similar: elective, optional, voluntary
    related: alternate, alternative, chosen, dispensable, unnecessary, unneeded, unwanted
    opposite: compulsory, mandatory, nonelective, nonvoluntary, obligatory, required
    near: essential, indispensable, necessary, requisite

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Discretionary

The most common words with a similar meaning to Discretionary:

elective, optional, voluntary

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Discretionary

Words with the opposite meaning of Discretionary:

compulsory, mandatory, nonelective, nonvoluntary, obligatory, required

Related Words for Discretionary

alternate, alternative, chosen, dispensable, unnecessary, unneeded, unwanted

Near Antonyms of Discretionary

essential, indispensable, necessary, requisite

Origin & Etymology of Discretionary

discretion + -ary:2

First known use: 1698

Words & Phrases Containing Discretionary

discretionary account, discretionary income

Frequently Asked Questions about Discretionary

What does "Discretionary" mean?

"Discretionary" means left to individual choice or judgment, exercised at one's own discretion. As an adjective, it is defined as: left to individual choice or judgment, exercised at one's own discretion.

What is another word for "Discretionary"?

Other words for "Discretionary" include elective, optional and voluntary. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Discretionary" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Discretionary"?

There are 10 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Discretionary". Common alternatives include elective, optional and voluntary.

What is the opposite of "Discretionary"?

Antonyms of "Discretionary" include compulsory, mandatory, nonelective, nonvoluntary, obligatory and required. Near antonyms include essential, indispensable, necessary and requisite.

How do you use "Discretionary" in a sentence?

Examples of "Discretionary" in a sentence: "discretionary spending on luxuries dropped dramatically last year".

Is "Discretionary" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Discretionary" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Discretionary"?

"Discretionary" is pronounced /di-ˈskre-shə-ˌner-ē/ and divided into syllables as dis·cre·tion·ary.

What is the origin of the word "Discretionary"?

"Discretionary" comes from discretion + -ary:2. First known use: 1698.