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

Pro athletes and people with incredible levels of health and fitness aren’t relying on willpower to get them out of bed and into the gym. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

And my willpower was often low this year. —Big Think, 28 Aug. 2025

The Habit System – Building sustainable daily practices that don't require constant willpower. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025

The sure willpower of breaking tackles and got into the end zone there. —Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 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