Synonyms of willpower

willpower

noun

ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

as in restraint

the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions

trying to summon the willpower to resist buying any more books before finishing the unread ones I already have

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restraint
• self-control
• determination
• nerve
• self-discipline
• will
• temperance
• composure
• self-restraint
• self-mastery
• discipline
• confidence
• temperateness
• self-command
• self-government
• self-possession
• continence
• self-containment
• moderation
• assurance
• mastery
• abnegation
• self-denial
• control
• abstention
• self-confidence
• self-abnegation
• avoidance
• abstinence
• sobriety
• forbearance
• moderateness
• soberness
• poise
• equanimity
• coolness
• command
• discretion
• aplomb
• eschewal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indulgence
• gratification
• overindulgence
• weakness
• intemperance
• failing
• excessiveness
• vice
• feebleness
• self-indulgence
• fault
• shortcoming
• frailty
• demerit
• foible
• intemperateness
• indiscipline
• immoderacy
• unrestraint
• unconstraint
• unreserve
• unreservedness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of willpower

In a test of her willpower, Janine struggles to continue subduing her innate need to coddle kids. —Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025

Childhood obesity is not a willpower problem, and the rise of early-onset Alzheimer’s is not a genetic cause. —Joseph Choi, The Hill, 6 Mar. 2025

And research shows that maintaining an optimal weight is not about willpower. —Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024

Present bias is the trait of being unable to muster the willpower to avoid destructive buy now, pay later behavior. —Hersh Shefrin, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025