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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of self-discipline
During this time, the faithful devote themselves to prayer, charitable deeds, fasting and other forms of self-discipline.
—
Christina Fan, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for self-discipline
Christina Fan, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for self-discipline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-discipline
Noun
-
The plaintiffs asked the court Wednesday for either a stay or preliminary injunction that would restore the previous restraints.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
No damage to the technical facility has been reported yet, but UN nuclear officials have called for restraint and warned of a nuclear accident.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The archival, iconic footage of Jordan scoring 38 points while dealing with illness in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals was intended to inspire willpower in a Bruins team that had run shakily out of the starting gate in its last two tournament games.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Automation over willpower That same idea applies to everyday finances.—
Joshua Sidorowicz,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-discipline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-discipline. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
