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Definition of discretional

discretional

/dɪˈskrɛʃ.ən.əl/
dis · cre · tion · al
Adverb:discretionally
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discretional Lexical Profile

discretional Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Left to or regulated by individual judgment, preference, or choice rather than fixed rules; discretionary.

Example

"The committee retains discretional authority to award supplementary grants to promising researchers."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for discretional
Antonyms
View all antonyms for discretional

Word Nuance & Usage

While "discretional" is a valid adjective meaning left to individual judgment, "discretionary" is overwhelmingly preferred in modern legal, financial, and everyday English.

• Rhymes for discretional

• Nearby Words

discrete
discretely
discretion
discretional
discretionally
discretionary
discriminate

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century from "discretion" plus the adjectival suffix "-al", ultimately tracing back to the Latin "discretio" (a separation or power of distinguishing).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Discretional. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/discretional
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