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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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-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
-
Through her restraint, Roberts provokes in us some semblance of empathy for her character – in a movie where everyone else is basically monstrous.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
-
As part of the plea agreement, criminal restraint and battery charges were dismissed.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The network also told the WGAE that the email responses are not the basis for discipline, discharge or layoffs.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
14 Oct. 2025
-
What started as the follow-up to D’Angelo’s 1995 platinum debut, Brown Sugar (written and recorded entirely by D’Angelo in his mother’s house in Richmond, Virginia), became five years of study at Soul University, complete with classes, pranks, gossip and equal amounts of discipline and laziness.—
Touré,
Rolling Stone,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
On First Take, Ohanian took the opportunity to clap back with composure and wit.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Just, even that last play, keeping his composure, fighting like hell to get the ball off, and threw a hell of a ball.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Made as Brazil’s dictatorship was losing its grip, these films confronted repression indirectly, turning sensuality into an act of defiance.—
Lise Pedersen,
Variety,
12 Oct. 2025
-
Political scientist Ronald Krebs notes that domestic rights advocates rarely gain lasting momentum from the award, and may even face intensified repression.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
On-demand male contraception via acute inhibition of soluble adenylyl cyclase.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Maintaining the correct proportion of excitation to inhibition is critical for keeping the brain healthy and harmonious.—
Yasemin Saplakoglu,
Quanta Magazine,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Since crews connected the bridge deck in summer 2024, workers have been installing electrical, drainage and fire suppression systems, along with fencing and barriers for the multi-use path.—
Nour Rahal,
Freep.com,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Why Mulch Matters in Winter My back appreciates the weed suppression mulch provides during the spring and summer.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-command.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-command. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share