1. the quality of being careful about what you do and say so as not to cause embarrassment or difficulty for other people
2. the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation
3. the ability to make responsible decisions

Examples

• She handled the sensitive situation with great discretion.
• The manager has discretion over hiring decisions.
• Please use your discretion when sharing this information.
• At the teacher’s discretion, students may retake the exam.
• He showed poor discretion by discussing private matters publicly.
• The judge exercised judicial discretion in sentencing.
• Discretion is the better part of valor.