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
James AtlasI'm not talking about facing up to hard work or discipline, as if the problem were faulty willpower or a poor character.—Patricia Hampl
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
Bruce Crumley 
Synonyms
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
This veneration of willpower is due for the dustbin, Puhl says.
—Fiorella Valdesolo, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2024
The training reduces stress, improves sleep, bolsters the immune system, and increases energy, focus and willpower, according to Hof.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024
Anyone lacking the digital skills or willpower to shop around gets ripped off.
—Simon Hill, WIRED, 26 Feb. 2024
Difficult tasks require fortitude, commitment, willpower, and resolve.
—G.t. "toby" Stansell, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024
Unfortunately, this classification still gets pushback and flack from those who believe people in larger bodies simply lack willpower and self-control.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024
The world has become more dangerous, with Russia invading Ukraine, Iranian proxies wreaking havoc in the Middle East, and China and North Korea testing American willpower.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 16 Mar. 2024
So many still view obesity as a character flaw, or the result of someone not having enough willpower or being lazy.
—Christopher Thompson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
An even larger percentage, 65%, acknowledged that willpower is not enough to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
—TIME, 26 Feb. 2024
Fiorella Valdesolo, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2024
The training reduces stress, improves sleep, bolsters the immune system, and increases energy, focus and willpower, according to Hof.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024
Anyone lacking the digital skills or willpower to shop around gets ripped off.
—Simon Hill, WIRED, 26 Feb. 2024
Difficult tasks require fortitude, commitment, willpower, and resolve.
—G.t. "toby" Stansell, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024
Unfortunately, this classification still gets pushback and flack from those who believe people in larger bodies simply lack willpower and self-control.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024
The world has become more dangerous, with Russia invading Ukraine, Iranian proxies wreaking havoc in the Middle East, and China and North Korea testing American willpower.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 16 Mar. 2024
So many still view obesity as a character flaw, or the result of someone not having enough willpower or being lazy.
—Christopher Thompson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
An even larger percentage, 65%, acknowledged that willpower is not enough to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
—TIME, 26 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'willpower.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1850, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near willpower
Cite this Entry
“Willpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willpower. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
willpower
noun
will·pow·er
ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r
: strong determination
the temptation tested her willpower
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