Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The credit card company did cite the boost of higher tax refunds, but both discretionary and nondiscretionary categories were robust.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

For investors, the framing that applies here is the one used for cybersecurity a decade ago, when the proliferation of connected devices made security spending nondiscretionary.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Earlier this week, Target said its comparable sales in the most recent quarter fell 2.7%, in part because customers are hunting for value and prioritizing nondiscretionary spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

Seventy-three percent of consumers nationally said they are concerned about rising prices for everyday purchases and are allotting higher budgets for nondiscretionary expenses.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2024

Use Social Security payments for your nondiscretionary, fixed expenses and retirement assets for discretionary expenses, such as travel and entertainment.

From New York Times • Aug. 12, 2021