1
as in restraint
the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others
a witness practicing remarkable self-command under intense questioning by several members of Congress
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in temperance
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
an aloof man of great self-command but little charm
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of self-command
In his mind, the army was not a caste apart but an instrument of the republic – an arena in which self-command and civic virtue were tested.
—
Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-command
Noun
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Just like human relationships, the success of intelligent environments will depend not only on intelligence, but on tone, rhythm, restraint and trust.—
Nathanael Bondu,
Rolling Stone,
19 Feb. 2026
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But aggressive corporate action has yet to be matched by restraint through regulatory action, Russell said.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Within the sport, there are several disciplines, including individual races, sprints and team relays.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
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This year, starting Wednesday, Muslim families will fast from dawn to dusk, and mosques are opening their doors to neighbors each evening, not simply as a ritual but as a reminder that personal discipline and public responsibility are inseparable.—
Irfan Sarwar,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Bread dough The morning after Cathy and Heathcliff spy on Joseph (Ewan Mitchell) and Zillah’s (Amy Morgan) kinky stable tryst, Cathy loses her composure at the breakfast table watching a very wet dough (focaccia, maybe?—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
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But Malinin missed his first combo and could never regain his composure in what was likely his worst performance in a major competition in quite some time.—
John Cherwa,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a group that focuses on reporting repressions in Iran, over 6,000 have been confirmed dead and over 17,000 deaths are under investigation.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
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This practice dates back to the Soviet period but resurfaced as political repression increased after Putin’s return to the presidency in 2012.—
Elizaveta Gaufman,
The Conversation,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The inhibition system is triggered by the possibility of punishment.—
Amy Cuddy,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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In a race to find out who caused this marital mayhem, emotions will be high, inhibitions will be low, and everyone will have access to an open bar.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Each day brings new fears about Immigration and Customs Enforcement, voter suppression, the environment, health care, higher costs and more.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
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Buildings 200, 400 and 500 are largely back to normal occupancy with hot water, electric service, and functioning fire suppression systems, the town said.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-command.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-command. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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