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
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Recent Examples of self-restraint
True, Sophie Portnoy possesses none of Bess’s self-restraint, her ability to superimpose limits with the use of little more than a passing gesture, no more than a word or two.
—
Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-restraint
Noun
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Hegseth came out of his own service, in Iraq and Afghanistan, with the seeming conviction that what had stood in the way of a fuller victory in those wars had been the restraints supposedly placed on how soldiers could kill.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
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In a culture that rewards fast takes, that kind of restraint is rare.—
Sonia Singh,
Rolling Stone,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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These early routines introduced him to the discipline and rhythms of business.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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Oftentimes, it is seen as some sort of precious art form, maybe something in the realm of ballet that requires real discipline.—
Emma Forgione,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-restraint. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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