self-restraint
noun
self-re·straint
ˌself-ri-ˈstrānt 
: restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires : self-control
A bitter answer leaped to his tongue, but he was learning self-restraint.—
Somerset Maugham
Somerset MaughamExamples of self-restraint in a Sentence
she demonstrated an almost unnatural self-restraint during the fight
we must practice self-restraint even with people who are deliberately rude
Recent Examples on the Web
True, Sophie Portnoy possesses none of Bess’s self-restraint, her ability to superimpose limits with the use of little more than a passing gesture, no more than a word or two.
—Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Ultimately, signatures and self-restraint may be not enough.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is not only the holiest month of the year, but a joyous time for spiritual growth, self-restraint and family gatherings.
—Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
During the eclipse, Scorpios should enjoy themselves, but should try to show self-restraint while the eclipse heightens their feelings and impulsivity.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
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.
Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Ultimately, signatures and self-restraint may be not enough.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is not only the holiest month of the year, but a joyous time for spiritual growth, self-restraint and family gatherings.
—Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
During the eclipse, Scorpios should enjoy themselves, but should try to show self-restraint while the eclipse heightens their feelings and impulsivity.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
Cite this Entry
“Self-restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-restraint. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share