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 two rungs in the E-shaped economy have significantly cut their discretionary spending — with some even skipping meals, as McDonald’s highlighted in its latest earnings report.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Retail and consumer discretionary ETFs are down nearly 8% since the Iran War began, outpacing the S&P 500’s 4.5% decline.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Elsewhere in markets, consumer discretionary stocks took a beating, with the sector falling more than 3% on the day.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Most prosecutors’ offices lack any manual or guidebook advising prosecutors how to make discretionary decisions.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander