discretion

[dih-skresh-uhn] / dɪˈskrɛʃ ən /

NOUN

caution, judgment

Synonyms

STRONGEST

attention foresight maturity prudence responsibility tact vigilance wisdom

STRONG

acumen calculation care carefulness chariness circumspection concern considerateness consideration deliberation diplomacy discernment discrimination forethought gumption heed heedfulness judiciousness observation perspicacity precaution providence sagacity sense shrewdness solicitude thoughtfulness wariness warning watchfulness

WEAK

canniness good sense presence of mind

Antonyms

STRONGEST

carelessness disregard ignorance indiscretion negligence thoughtlessness

STRONG

heedlessness inattention indifference neglect omission

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.

“The United States has determined in its prosecutorial discretion that dismissal of this criminal case is in the interests of justice,” the motion filed by U.S.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

"The United States has determined in its prosecutorial discretion that dismissal of this criminal case is in the interests of justice," the US Attorney's Ofice in Washington, DC, said in a filing on Tuesday.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

The Meta dashboard, a side project created by an individual employee first reported on by the Information, has since been taken down at the employee’s discretion, a Meta spokesperson said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

This categorization didn’t constitute a formal regulation; rather the agency was using its discretion not to go after compounders who used ingredients it deemed safe — those from the first category.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Like Sandy June’s location, Fireball news was all word of mouth, divulged with the greatest of discretion.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Vocabulary lists containing discretion

Fever 1793

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Things They Carried

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Tempest

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!