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

I'm not talking about facing up to hard work or discipline, as if the problem were faulty willpower or a poor character.

—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

Synonyms

• restraint
• self-control

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

Her vitality leaves quite the impression on saxophonist Ronnie Scott (Daniel Betts), who fends off the girl’s advances even as he’s dazzled by her willpower. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2025

As far as Dragula the brand, Dragula is a monster with its own willpower and its own luck factors. —Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2025

The power to move under your own willpower, whether for duty or sheer pleasure. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2025

Packing light comes down to strategy and, honestly, a lot of willpower. —Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for willpower

• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower
• mayflower
• safflower
• sunflower
• wallflower
• watchtower

Kids Definition

willpower

noun

will·​pow·​er ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

: strong determination

the temptation tested her willpower