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

“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 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

If the war in Iran drags on, then the resulting effect on transportation costs could crimp consumer demand for discretionary goods like chocolate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander