1
as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
toddlers have very little self-control
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in discipline
the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others
she could be passionate and intense, but generally exercised steely self-control in the company of strangers
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-control
New strategies for modern temptations The original studies on willpower relied on surveys or questionnaires to measure a person's self-control and their success in life.
—
Michaeleen Doucleff, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026
At age 2, children may have frequent tantrums that parents will have to mediate for them–responding with self-control and support instead of frustration and an outburst of their own.
—Taylor Grothe, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
The fasting and abstinence are to practice self-control and come from the original penitence practice of the observation.
—Matthew Kayser, Ascend Agency, 26 Feb. 2026
Bill Clinton lost his before birth, and then grew up with an alcoholic stepfather who loved him but lacked self-control.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Michaeleen Doucleff, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026
At age 2, children may have frequent tantrums that parents will have to mediate for them–responding with self-control and support instead of frustration and an outburst of their own.
—Taylor Grothe, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
The fasting and abstinence are to practice self-control and come from the original penitence practice of the observation.
—Matthew Kayser, Ascend Agency, 26 Feb. 2026
Bill Clinton lost his before birth, and then grew up with an alcoholic stepfather who loved him but lacked self-control.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control
Noun
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The plaintiffs asked the court Wednesday for either a stay or preliminary injunction that would restore the previous restraints.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
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No damage to the technical facility has been reported yet, but UN nuclear officials have called for restraint and warned of a nuclear accident.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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And so, far from clearing up confusion, the provisions have sparked criticism from numerous TV writers and producers, including Academy members, who think the guidelines leave far too much room for AI to have a meaningful role on writing, acting and other creative disciplines in Emmy nominees.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
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Alvaro Arbeloa’s Madrid can be front-footed and organised, pressing high with discipline and intent.—
Sukhman Singh,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Each spring, otherwise reasonable home cooks lose all inhibitions at the first sight of ramps at the farmers market.—
Kelly Vaughan,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
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Metallica plays on the stereo while Garcia and Huerta operate like two rock stars with no inhibitions in the kitchen.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The political controversy Thursday coincided with a day of repression in Caracas.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
10 Apr. 2026
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The choice Iran faces If Iran’s leadership uses this moment only to consolidate power, intensify repression, and sell military endurance as victory, the ceasefire will merely delay the next internal and external crisis.—
Pegah Banihashemi,
Time,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-control. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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