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.

Toscano says he tries to balance discretion and disclosure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Bernadette Chirac as a "great woman of heart" who "left her mark on our history" and "changed so many lives with discretion and determination."

From Barron's • Jun. 6, 2026

When looking at companies that clear those bars, the index committee then has discretion over which companies to include, and may informally consider factors like sector weightings.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

The district court judge had no discretion to impose a lesser sentence, though he maintained misgivings about the prosecution’s evidence.

From Slate • May 29, 2026

Butler proceeded with discretion: no big announcement in the Daily Press, no fanfare in Air Scoop.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

Vocabulary lists containing discretion

Fever 1793

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The Things They Carried

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The Tempest

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