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
In many ways, that is an apt reflection of the player’s broader football experience — a late bloomer who has had to dig deep into his reserves of willpower and work ethic to break through barriers time and again.
—Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 25 July 2025
These manageable steps rewire the brain for sustained effort and build willpower through momentum.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
This wasn't caused by a generation of kids suddenly lacking the willpower to eat healthy.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
The political willpower to approve legislative fixes is in danger without HUD’s backing — which comes with the threat of withholding federal funding if the city does not follow through on its commitments.
—Lizzie Kane, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for willpower
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Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 25 July 2025
These manageable steps rewire the brain for sustained effort and build willpower through momentum.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
This wasn't caused by a generation of kids suddenly lacking the willpower to eat healthy.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
The political willpower to approve legislative fixes is in danger without HUD’s backing — which comes with the threat of withholding federal funding if the city does not follow through on its commitments.
—Lizzie Kane, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 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 3 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
willpower
noun
will·pow·er
ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r
: strong determination
the temptation tested her willpower
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