discretionary

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.

Of the total, approximately $1.1tn would be in discretionary spending for the Pentagon, the highest on record.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

The bottom line shows total nondefense discretionary spending falling from $733.5 billion in fiscal year 2026 to a request for $660.1 billion for fiscal year 2027.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Lower-income households are the least able to withstand the strain at the pump—some already report trying to trim back on road trips and discretionary spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“Of this amount, the Budget includes $1.1 trillion in base discretionary budget authority specifically for DoW in 2027,” reads part of the release.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The job was full of discretionary power and the decisions about how to use it were often moral.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover