1
as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
toddlers have very little self-control
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in discipline
the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others
she could be passionate and intense, but generally exercised steely self-control in the company of strangers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of self-control
These mirror workplace experiments like phone-free meetings, digital detox retreats or resilience programs that strengthen attention and self-control.
—
Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
That leads to the equation of thinness with hard work, self-control, and moral value.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 22 Aug. 2025
After all, a lack of sense and self-control could be fixed.
—Trish Bendix
august 21, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2025
The nonprofit aims to instill forgiveness, self-control and discipline in Black youth, all while building trust with police.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
That leads to the equation of thinness with hard work, self-control, and moral value.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 22 Aug. 2025
After all, a lack of sense and self-control could be fixed.
—Trish Bendix
august 21, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2025
The nonprofit aims to instill forgiveness, self-control and discipline in Black youth, all while building trust with police.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control
Noun
-
Cox also called for restraint in reaction to Kirk’s assassination, noting that residents of Utah did not riot or loot or engage in violence, and instead held vigils and said prayers.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Despite efforts by the Biden administration to constrain the spyware market through its executive order, trade and visa restrictions, and sanctions, the industry has continued to operate largely without restraint.—
Vas Panagiotopoulos,
ArsTechnica,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Because the threat of discipline exists, that could impact the trade market for Hill.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Suddenly, Rogers was below average at all three core disciplines, and was sent to the Orioles at the trading deadline for prospects Connor Norby and Kyle Stowers.—
Tony Blengino,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This also supports the idea that swearing can momentarily activate mental states that reduce inhibition and allow the body and mind to perform at a higher level.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Lockwood’s lack of inhibition can lead to trouble.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The distraction does not eliminate the need for state repression.—
Time,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Russia’s culture ministry, alongside law enforcement agencies, is strictly enforcing these guidelines, merging its own cultural institutions into the country’s already mighty propaganda and repression machines.—
Yegor Mostovshikov,
The Dial,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-control. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share