self-control
noun
self-con·trol
ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl 
: restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires
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
At many crucial moments (including in Lucy and Harry’s first few dates), this stillness is established with the natural cool of self-control and professionalism and then veers into an astonishing near-sculptural artifice.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
Research even suggests that delaying goal failure, rather than giving in immediately when you’re tempted to engage in a behavior that defeats your goals, helps maintain a positive self-perception of self-control.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
The mega-rich like Musk don’t exactly have a huge degree of self-awareness or self-control.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 6 June 2025
Studies have found that decision fatigue can impair attention, self-control and judgment.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-control
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Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
Research even suggests that delaying goal failure, rather than giving in immediately when you’re tempted to engage in a behavior that defeats your goals, helps maintain a positive self-perception of self-control.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
The mega-rich like Musk don’t exactly have a huge degree of self-awareness or self-control.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 6 June 2025
Studies have found that decision fatigue can impair attention, self-control and judgment.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Cite this Entry
“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-control. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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