discretion
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for discretion, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The freedom or authority to make your own judgement or decision.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use discretion
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
at your discretion
use discretion
a matter of discretion
Etymology
From Old French discretion, from Latin discretio, "separation, distinction" — the same Latin root as "discreet."
Full origin of discretion →Frequently asked questions
What does “discretion” mean?
The word “discretion” means the freedom or authority to make your own judgement or decision. In plain terms, the power to decide something yourself, or the tact to handle sensitive matters carefully.
How do you pronounce “discretion”?
“Discretion” is pronounced dih-SKREH-shuhn (/dɪˈskɹɛʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “discretion” in a sentence?
Here is “discretion” used in a sentence: “The judge used her discretion to reduce the sentence.”
What is the opposite of “discretion”?
The opposite of “discretion” — its antonyms — is indiscretion.
What part of speech is “discretion”?
“Discretion” is a noun.
Where does the word “discretion” come from?
The word “discretion” comes from Latin. From Old French discretion, from Latin discretio, "separation, distinction" — the same Latin root as "discreet.".
Is “discretion” a common word?
“Discretion” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “discretion” have?
“Discretion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the freedom or authority to make your own judgement or decision.
What is the difference between discretion and prudence?
Discretion is the freedom to make your own judgment, and also the quality of being careful and tactful about sensitive matters. Prudence is broader caution and good sense in practical affairs, so discretion leans toward tact and knowing what to keep private, while prudence leans toward foresight and avoiding risk.
What is the difference between discretion and tact?
The two overlap in handling sensitive matters carefully. Tact is specifically the skill of saying and doing things without causing offense, while discretion adds the idea of keeping private matters private and also carries a separate meaning, the authority to decide something for yourself.
