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

• restraint
• self-control

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

The Chariot is a card of forward motion, confidence, and victory through sheer willpower. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025

The takeaway from the research is clear: design beats willpower. —Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

Tremendous willpower to move the needle on LLMs, if only there weren’t 22 languages to contend with. —Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 7 July 2025

Henry’s story is a lesson in how resisting new technology through sheer willpower can be self-defeating. —Greg Edwards, The Conversation, 30 May 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