willpower
noun
will·pow·er
ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 
: the ability to control one's own actions, emotions, or urges
Approximately 42% of U.S. adults are affected by obesity, and many believe that willpower alone is insufficient for weight loss, highlighting the need for pharmacological interventions—
Richard Howells
Richard HowellsI'm not talking about facing up to hard work or discipline, as if the problem were faulty willpower or a poor character.—Patricia Hampl
Patricia Hampl
also
: strong determination that allows one to do something difficult
… maintaining their seats at the corporate table through a wily deployment of guts, guile and willpower. —Hugh Hart
Hugh Hart Examples of willpower in a Sentence
The dessert buffet tested my willpower.
He conquered his drinking problem through sheer willpower.
Recent Examples on the Web
The archival, iconic footage of Jordan scoring 38 points while dealing with illness in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals was intended to inspire willpower in a Bruins team that had run shakily out of the starting gate in its last two tournament games.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
Automation over willpower That same idea applies to everyday finances.
—Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Think of me as your tech buddy who’s out here spending her time, energy, and, honestly, a bit of willpower finding the best deals for you.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
One of the first clues that the conventional wisdom about willpower was wrong came in 2015.
—Francine Russo, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for willpower
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Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
Automation over willpower That same idea applies to everyday finances.
—Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Think of me as your tech buddy who’s out here spending her time, energy, and, honestly, a bit of willpower finding the best deals for you.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
One of the first clues that the conventional wisdom about willpower was wrong came in 2015.
—Francine Russo, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for willpower
Cite this Entry
“Willpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willpower. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
willpower
noun
will·pow·er
ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r
: strong determination
the temptation tested her willpower
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