willpower
noun
will·pow·er
ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 
: the ability to control one's own actions, emotions, or urges
Alcoholics can't stop drinking through willpower alone: they need to alter behavior … that triggers the impulse to drink.—
James Atlas
James AtlasI'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
He [Nicolas Sarkozy] … brokered a huge trade deal with China and generally signaled that he could redefine his country through sheer willpower alone. —Bruce Crumley
Bruce Crumley 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
Inside rehab, his recovery was built around medication, not willpower.
—Ethan Brooks, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2025
And that system breaks down when it’s built solely on pain avoidance or short bursts of willpower.
—Katy Gala, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
In a test of her willpower, Janine struggles to continue subduing her innate need to coddle kids.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
Childhood obesity is not a willpower problem, and the rise of early-onset Alzheimer’s is not a genetic cause.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willpower
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Ethan Brooks, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2025
And that system breaks down when it’s built solely on pain avoidance or short bursts of willpower.
—Katy Gala, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
In a test of her willpower, Janine struggles to continue subduing her innate need to coddle kids.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
Childhood obesity is not a willpower problem, and the rise of early-onset Alzheimer’s is not a genetic cause.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willpower
Cite this Entry
“Willpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willpower. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
willpower
noun
will·pow·er
ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r
: strong determination
the temptation tested her willpower
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