as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
it takes self-discipline not to yell out when someone makes you angry
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Recent Examples of self-discipline
At its core, the idea is not to withdraw from society but to protect it by cultivating self-control and self-discipline in everyday life.
—
Irfan Sarwar, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Jackson traveled the country preaching self-esteem and self-discipline.
—Johanna Neuman, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
During Lent, the faithful devote themselves to prayer and other devotions, as well as charitable deeds, fasting and other forms of self-discipline.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
What remains is a tool of self-discipline, disguised as self-help.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-discipline
Irfan Sarwar, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Jackson traveled the country preaching self-esteem and self-discipline.
—Johanna Neuman, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
During Lent, the faithful devote themselves to prayer and other devotions, as well as charitable deeds, fasting and other forms of self-discipline.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
What remains is a tool of self-discipline, disguised as self-help.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-discipline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-discipline
Noun
-
Because college football players can’t unionize and bargain rules, anti-tampering and other prohibitions aren’t exempt from antitrust scrutiny and can be challenged as unreasonable restraints on trade and price-fixing schemes.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Heller notes that restraint matters too—excessive throw pillows can make a primary bedroom feel fussy.—
Jacorey Moon,
Architectural Digest,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For decades, psychologists believed willpower would help people get better grades in school, establish healthier diets, gain successful careers and more.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
12 Mar. 2026
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No amount of willpower or motivational self-talk can quiet a mind that automatically runs through every worst-case scenario.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-discipline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-discipline. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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