1
as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
she demonstrated an almost unnatural self-restraint during the fight
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in discipline
the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others
we must practice self-restraint even with people who are deliberately rude
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-restraint
Ultimately, signatures and self-restraint may be not enough.
—
Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is not only the holiest month of the year, but a joyous time for spiritual growth, self-restraint and family gatherings.
—Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
During the eclipse, Scorpios should enjoy themselves, but should try to show self-restraint while the eclipse heightens their feelings and impulsivity.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
These acts reflect a different ontology of leadership grounded in trust, self-restraint, and the belief that honour is an essential character trait for high office.
—Dave Winsborough, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is not only the holiest month of the year, but a joyous time for spiritual growth, self-restraint and family gatherings.
—Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
During the eclipse, Scorpios should enjoy themselves, but should try to show self-restraint while the eclipse heightens their feelings and impulsivity.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
These acts reflect a different ontology of leadership grounded in trust, self-restraint, and the belief that honour is an essential character trait for high office.
—Dave Winsborough, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-restraint
Noun
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Maryland’s budget process is designed to promote transparency and fiscal restraint.—
J.B. Jennings,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Feb. 2026
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The verdict signals that prolonged prone restraint during mental health crises is dangerous, potentially changing how juvenile detention centers handle distressed teens.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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As the discipline grew in popularity, Warren’s students began to take home trophies from tournaments across the country and internationally.—
Everett Eaton,
jsonline.com,
10 Feb. 2026
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The Winter Olympics are in full swing in Italy, and athletes from 93 countries are competing in 16 disciplines across eight sports.—
Julianna Duennes Russ,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-restraint. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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