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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-command
He was shaped in San Antonio by an environment that demanded alertness, self-command, and the ability to read the room quickly.
—
Matt Emma, USA Today, 13 May 2026
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
Matt Emma, USA Today, 13 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-command
Noun
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Smith died of cardiac arrest combined with acute behavioral disturbance, cocaine use and holding restraint, The Times reported.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
-
Zinedine Zidane’s infamous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup exemplifies a lack of Temperance, while excessive restraint can stifle passion.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
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Remember, Mercury oversees communication, information, planning and perception, while Saturn brings limits, discipline, scrutiny and reality checks.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
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The administration investigated Chicago Public Schools and withheld more than $20 million when the district refused to end its Black Student Success Program, which aims to increase access to advanced coursework for Black students and reduce overly harsh discipline.—
Annie Ma,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Noun
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Jeff Segars built Loganville into a dynasty — maintaining his composure through all the emotional turbulence of high school baseball.—
Jack Leo,
AJC.com,
8 June 2026
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The forward kept his composure as the Spurs won the series.—
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
8 June 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, the government’s response continues to be repression and violations of citizens’ rights, Espinosa said.—
Sarah Moreno
June 5,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2026
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The work denounces the repression and lack of human rights that Iranian society, especially women, suffers at the hands of the Iranian regime, the foundation said.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Noun
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The little people are being menaced by a dark force—a force with power, money, and very few moral inhibitions.—
Hanna Rosin,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
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Shrug off inhibitions and break the ice as the moon and Uranus harmonize.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
Noun
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Debug uses what's called the suppression method.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
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The state then appealed the judge’s suppression order, and now the Supreme Judicial Court has reversed the lower-court ruling.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-command.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-command. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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