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
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
You’ve been known for self-discipline since debut.
—Billboard Korea, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025
After weeks of daily fasting and self-discipline, Ramadan will conclude with a final celebration called Eid al-Fitr, to mark the end of the holy month.
—Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
You’ve been known for self-discipline since debut.
—Billboard Korea, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025
After weeks of daily fasting and self-discipline, Ramadan will conclude with a final celebration called Eid al-Fitr, to mark the end of the holy month.
—Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-discipline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-discipline
Noun
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The Department of Homeland Security would be barred from using a full-body restraint device called the WRAP under a new bill introduced in the House on Wednesday.—
JASON DEAREN AND JIM MUSTIAN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
26 Feb. 2026
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The restraint is noteworthy because the Kim regime often uses parades to showcase its most menacing weapons, and state propaganda has been leaning into weapons imagery recently.—
Will Ripley,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In that shift, money becomes less about individual willpower and more about coordination.—
Karen “KH” Koehler
February 23,
Miami Herald,
23 Feb. 2026
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This approach allows people to remain engaged in exercise without turning recovery into a test of willpower.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-discipline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-discipline. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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