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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-restraint
For the growing Muslim community in the Bay Area, abstaining from eating or drinking during the day is regarded as an act of worship by practicing self-restraint, growing closer to God and empathizing with people who are poor and hungry.
—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
The devout see benefits, including practicing self-restraint, cultivating gratitude and empathizing with people who are poor and hungry.
—
Mariam Fam,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Eid al-Fitr is a joyous time of renewal spent with friends and family after the month of spiritual cleansing, self-restraint and contemplation.
—
Lianna Norman,
Florida Times-Union,
5 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
The devout see benefits, including practicing self-restraint, cultivating gratitude and empathizing with people who are poor and hungry.
—
Mariam Fam,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Eid al-Fitr is a joyous time of renewal spent with friends and family after the month of spiritual cleansing, self-restraint and contemplation.
—
Lianna Norman,
Florida Times-Union,
5 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-restraint
Noun
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Under an existing state appropriations restraint, also known as the Gann Limit, lawmakers cannot spend more than an amount determined by a formula that takes annual tax proceeds, changes to the population and cost of living into consideration.
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For 70 minutes, Paraguay had played with corseted restraint, frustrating France with organisation, concentration and no little gamesmanship.
Noun
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Platforms built around incentive capture, funding cost discipline and structural durability are well-positioned to deliver the hedge that households are now actively seeking.
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The Honorary Award is given to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or outstanding service to the Academy.
Cite this Entry
“Self-restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-restraint. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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