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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Both dishes were perfectly prepared al dente and sauced with restraint, unlike many Italian-American eateries.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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As the broader fashion landscape moves away from restraint and toward self-expression, wedding guest dressing is evolving alongside it.—
Lauren Fisher,
Footwear News,
28 May 2026
Noun
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Historically, the difference has come down to political discipline, institutional credibility, and the absence of an external shock.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
2 June 2026
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Women’s sports were not created because women lacked talent, discipline or courage.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Noun
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With the quarterfinal in a frantic deciding set, Kostyuk gathered her composure first to win in one hour and 49 minutes, becoming the first Ukrainian woman to reach the last four at Roland Garros in the Open Era.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
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The Wildcats scored three runs in the fifth as Regis Jesuit lost its composure on several plays, allowing Arvada West to gain momentum.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
Noun
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This repression sparked years of protests and widened the divide between his government and the public, ultimately leading to his resignation.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
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According to recent polling by the firm Meganálisis, Rodríguez continues to face deeply negative approval ratings, with many Venezuelans still associating the interim government with corruption, repression and economic collapse linked to the final years of Chavismo.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Amy Lawrence pointed out that, while Arsenal possess that type of player, there is a level of inhibition.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
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Alcohol relieves social inhibition.—
Jonathan Avery,
STAT,
11 May 2026
Noun
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This was a radical statement at a time when unions often faced violent suppression from employers and police.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
30 May 2026
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Alongside David, another person, who has interim name suppression, was also accused of locking Norman in a room for up to 16 hours a day, according to the New Zealand Herald.—
Latoya Gayle,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-command.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-command. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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