Discretion: meaning, example and synonyms

Discretionn. The freedom to decide what should be done; also, care in avoiding giving offense or revealing secrets.

Flashcard for Discretion (noun): the freedom to decide what should be done; also, care in avoiding giving offense or revealing secrets. Example: The new policy gives teachers discretion over deadlines, allowing them to extend due dates for students facing emergencies. Synonyms: judgment, choice, prudence, tact. Antonyms: indiscretion, carelessness, tactlessness, rashness. Memory tip: Discretion is discreet judgment: you decide, quietly and wisely. Illustration: a calm judge-like teacher at a desk thoughtfully weighing two stacks of papers in her hands.

Example

The new policy gives teachers discretion over deadlines, allowing them to extend due dates for students facing emergencies.

Part of speech
noun
Synonyms
judgment, choice, prudence, tact
Antonyms
indiscretion, carelessness, tactlessness, rashness
Memory tip
Discretion is discreet judgment: you decide, quietly and wisely.

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Check yourself: Discretion in context

Pick the word that best completes each text, as on the SAT's words-in-context questions.

Question 1

The judge used her ______ to reduce the fine, noting that the defendant had already repaired the damage he caused.

Question 2

Because the letters contained private family matters, the archivist handled their release with great ______, sharing only what the family approved.

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