discretion

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Committee members can use discretion when selecting which — if any — companies make the cut.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

The selection committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices has discretion when determining which eligible companies to add to the index and sometimes chooses not to make changes at the scheduled time.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

Players are only allowed to take up to 25 seconds between points, but umpires can use their discretion as to when to start the shot clock while the crowd settles down.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

District Judge Dena Coggins on Sept. 11, and faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, at the discretion of the court and the federal sentencing guidelines.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

When judges have discretion, they may consider a defendant’s background and impose a lighter penalty if the defendant’s personal circumstances—extreme poverty or experience of abuse, for example—warrant it.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander