self-control

noun

self-con·​trol ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl How to pronounce self-control (audio)
Synonyms of self-control
: restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires
self-controlled adjective

Synonyms of self-control

Examples of self-control in a Sentence

toddlers have very little self-control she could be passionate and intense, but generally exercised steely self-control in the company of strangers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Practice kindness, and goodness and faithfulness and gentleness and self-control. Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Temperance, moderation, self-control, discernment – qualities such as these add up to a timeless excellence of character that cannot be faked. Ross Channing Reed, The Conversation, 5 June 2026 Over time, continuing to use nicotine can alter this reward system, along with other factors like stress and self-control. Hannah Harper, Health, 2 June 2026 Alexander, or at least the Alexander that Plutarch conveys, spent the early part of his life demonstrating his extraordinary self-control. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-control

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-control was in 1653

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-control. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

self-control

noun
self-con·​trol
ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl
: control over one's own impulses, emotions, or acts
self-controlled
-ˈtrōld
adjective

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