discretion
noun
dis·cre·tion
di-ˈskre-shən 
1
a
: individual choice or judgment
left the decision to his discretion
b
: power of free decision or latitude of choice within certain legal bounds
reached the age of discretion
2
: the quality of having or showing discernment or good judgment : the quality of being discreet : circumspection
especially
: cautious reserve in speech
3
: ability to make responsible decisions
4
: the result of separating or distinguishing
Synonyms
Examples of discretion in a Sentence
Though it is worth noting that to live in a place where other people come just for pleasure has the odd effect of making me feel transient, while the visitors seem more fixed and permanent in their lives, coming as they do from more conventional homes far away. It is as if I am always waiting for them and am here at their discretion.
—
Richard Ford, Wall Street Journal, 14-15 June 2008
In Texas "capital" murder doesn't necessarily mean a death-penalty case; it's the designation for any aggravated murder, and prosecutors have full discretion in deciding whether to seek death in such cases.
—John Cloud, Time, 14 July 2003
Del Monte was a courtier, bureaucrat, diplomat and politician born and bred and he understood the need for discretion.
—Peter Robb, The Man Who Became Caravaggio, (1998) 1999
Each artist in the gallery has discretion over the price that will be charged for his or her work.
The coach used his own discretion to let the injured quarterback play.
He always uses care and discretion when dealing with others.
She handled the awkward situation with great discretion.
Richard Ford, Wall Street Journal, 14-15 June 2008
In Texas "capital" murder doesn't necessarily mean a death-penalty case; it's the designation for any aggravated murder, and prosecutors have full discretion in deciding whether to seek death in such cases.
—John Cloud, Time, 14 July 2003
Del Monte was a courtier, bureaucrat, diplomat and politician born and bred and he understood the need for discretion.
—Peter Robb, The Man Who Became Caravaggio, (1998) 1999
Each artist in the gallery has discretion over the price that will be charged for his or her work.
The coach used his own discretion to let the injured quarterback play.
He always uses care and discretion when dealing with others.
She handled the awkward situation with great discretion.
Recent Examples on the Web
Online, a film can either completely vanish or be altered at the discretion of corporations.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024
Again, this is at the discretion of each airline, and many of them do not restrict the weight of carry-on luggage for domestic flights.
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 4 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discretion 
Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024
Again, this is at the discretion of each airline, and many of them do not restrict the weight of carry-on luggage for domestic flights.
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 4 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discretion
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'discretion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to discretion
Dictionary Entries Near discretion
Cite this Entry
“Discretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discretion. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
discretion
noun
dis·cre·tion
dis-ˈkresh-ən
1
: the quality of being discreet : prudence
2
a
: individual choice or judgment
left the decision to your discretion
b
: power of free decision
reached the age of discretion
discretionary
adjective
-ˈkresh-ə-ˌner-ē
Legal Definition
discretion
noun
dis·cre·tion
dis-ˈkre-shən
: power of free decision or latitude of choice within certain bounds imposed by law
reached the age of discretion
struck down death penalty provisions administered through unbridled jury discretion—L. H. Tribe
: as
L. H. Tribe
a
: the power of a judge to use his or her own judgment in making decisions guided by what is fair and equitable and by principles of law see also abuse of discretion
b
: the power of a public official or employee to act and make decisions based on his or her own judgment or conscience within the bounds of reason and the law
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share