willpower

noun

will·​pow·​er ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

: the ability to control one's own actions, emotions, or urges

Alcoholics can't stop drinking through willpower alone: they need to alter behavior … that triggers the impulse to drink.

—James Atlas

I'm not talking about facing up to hard work or discipline, as if the problem were faulty willpower or a poor character.

—Patricia Hampl

also : strong determination that allows one to do something difficult

He [Nicolas Sarkozy] … brokered a huge trade deal with China and generally signaled that he could redefine his country through sheer willpower alone.

—Bruce Crumley

Synonyms

• continence
• restraint
• self-command
• self-containment
• self-control
• self-discipline
• self-government
• self-mastery
• self-possession
• self-restraint
• will

Examples of willpower in a Sentence

The dessert buffet tested my willpower.

He conquered his drinking problem through sheer willpower.

Recent Examples on the Web

Inside rehab, his recovery was built around medication, not willpower. —Ethan Brooks, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2025

And that system breaks down when it’s built solely on pain avoidance or short bursts of willpower. —Katy Gala, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for willpower

• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower
• mayflower
• safflower
• sunflower
• wallflower
• watchtower

Kids Definition

willpower

noun

will·​pow·​er ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

: strong determination

the temptation tested her willpower