DISCRETION: Synonyms and Related Words. What is Another Word for DISCRETION?

Need another word that means the same as “discretion”? Find 17 synonyms and 30 related words for “discretion” in this overview.

The synonyms of “Discretion” are: free will, discernment, circumspection, discreetness, prudence, delicacy, care, carefulness, caution, wariness, chariness, choice, option, judgement, preference, disposition, volition

Discretion as a Noun

Definitions of "Discretion" as a noun

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “discretion” as a noun can have the following definitions:

• The power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies.
• The trait of judging wisely and objectively.
• Refined taste; tact.
• The quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offence or revealing confidential information.
• Freedom to act or judge on one's own.
• The freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation.
• Knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress.

Synonyms of "Discretion" as a noun (17 Words)

care	An object of concern or attention. He is in the care of a bodyguard.
carefulness	The quality of being careful and painstaking. I admired the carefulness of his work.
caution	Warning. Business advisers have sounded a note of caution.
chariness	The trait of being cautious and watchful.
choice	One of a number of things from which only one can be chosen. This disk drive is the perfect choice for your computer.
circumspection	Knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress. Circumspection is required in the day to day exercise of administrative powers.
delicacy	Smallness of stature. Miniature pearls of exquisite delicacy.
discernment	The cognitive condition of someone who understands. An astonishing lack of discernment.
discreetness	Subtly skillful handling of a situation.
disposition	The distribution or transfer of property or money to someone, especially by bequest. If Napoleon had had railways at his disposition he would have been invincible.
free will	People who are free.
judgement	The mental ability to understand and discriminate between relations. The events of last week are a judgement on us for our sinful ways.
option	One of a number of things from which only one can be chosen. He has no option but to pay up.
preference	A prior right or precedence, especially in connection with the payment of debts. His sexual preferences.
prudence	Knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress. We need to exercise prudence in such important matters.
volition	The faculty or power of using one’s will. Without conscious volition she backed into her office.
wariness	The trait of being cautious and watchful. Her mother s wariness of computers.

Usage Examples of "Discretion" as a noun

• She knew she could rely on his discretion.
• The servants showed great tact and discretion.
• Local authorities should use their discretion in setting the charges.
• Honorary fellowships may be awarded at the discretion of the council.
• I'll be the soul of discretion.

Associations of "Discretion" (30 Words)

attentive	Giving care or attention. The nurse was attentive to her patient.
beware	Be cautious and alert to risks or dangers. We should beware the incompetence of legislators.
cagey	Characterized by great caution and wariness. A spokesman was cagey about the arrangements his company had struck.
careful	Making sure of avoiding potential danger, mishap, or harm; cautious. Be careful to keep her shoes clean.
carefulness	The trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger. I admired the carefulness of his work.
caution	Warn strongly; put on guard. Having cautioned her the police were ready to take her away for questioning.
cautious	People who are fearful and cautious. Reserved and cautious never making swift decisions.
chary	Characterized by great caution and wariness. She had been chary of telling the whole truth.
choice	A thing or person which is chosen. He picked some choice early plums.
circumspect	Heedful of potential consequences. Circumspect actions.
circumspection	Knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress. Circumspection is required in the day to day exercise of administrative powers.
consideration	Information that should be kept in mind when making a decision. You can buy the books for a small consideration.
deliberation	Careful consideration. It was the deliberation of his act that was insulting.
discernment	The mental ability to understand and discriminate between relations. A man of discernment.
discreet	Unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic. A discreet investor.
discreetly	With discretion; prudently and with wise self-restraint. She coughed discreetly.
forethought	Planning or plotting in advance of acting. Jim had the forethought to book in advance.
free	Free or remove obstruction from. We are freeing management time for alternative work.
judiciously	In a judicious manner. His work has been carefully and judiciously edited.
modesty	Formality and propriety of manner. With typical modesty he insisted on sharing the credit with others.
observant	Adhering strictly to the rules of a particular religion, especially Judaism. Observant of the speed limit.
perfunctory	As a formality only. He gave a perfunctory nod.
precaution	A precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc. He had taken the precaution of seeking legal advice.
provident	Providing carefully for the future. Wild squirrels are provident.
prudence	Knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress. We need to exercise prudence in such important matters.
prudent	Careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment. No prudent money manager would authorize a loan without first knowing its purpose.
rakish	Marked by a carefree unconventionality or disreputableness. He had a rakish debonair look.
warn	Notify of danger, potential harm, or risk. I warned you that I would ask some difficult questions.
wary	Feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems. They were wary in their movements.
watchful	Engaged in or accustomed to close observation. They attended dances under the watchful eye of their father.