Definitions

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.

Second, the wide discretion the government asserts poses ongoing national security risks.

From Slate • May 15, 2026

Anchoring a policy stance on a single-point estimate from a wide distribution of credible forecasts is an exercise in discretion.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

Congress took steps to delimit presidential discretion, the court said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Even so, Muzaffar Chishti of the Migration Policy Institute said that the executive branch has vast discretion in immigration law, particularly when invoking national security justifications, and defense attorneys may face an uphill battle.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Of course I'm handling the matter with the greatest discretion and not disclosing even the slightest detail.

From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys

Vocabulary lists containing discretion

Fever 1793

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The Things They Carried

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The Tempest

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