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
Applied here, an EED theory would try to show both a genuine loss of self-control and a reasonable explanation for that loss.
—
Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Using self-control solely to avoid rejection or to mask one’s authentic self can be counterproductive.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
She, too, is tickled by her own sense of perfectionism, and those glimpses of vulnerability were a form of self-control all along.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Everyone in New York City wants to keep this restaurant to themselves, but self-control doesn’t come easy.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-control
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.
Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Using self-control solely to avoid rejection or to mask one’s authentic self can be counterproductive.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
She, too, is tickled by her own sense of perfectionism, and those glimpses of vulnerability were a form of self-control all along.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Everyone in New York City wants to keep this restaurant to themselves, but self-control doesn’t come easy.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 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 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share