SELF-CONTROL Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

self-control

noun

ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl

Definition of self-control

as in restraint

the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions toddlers have very little self-control

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in discipline

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others she could be passionate and intense, but generally exercised steely self-control in the company of strangers

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-control Sports bettors are therefore adults, and the law generally expects adults to possess greater maturity and self-control than minors. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The Greeks had a word for this The Greeks did not just casually worry about self-control. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 Dementia occurs when brain cells degenerate, especially in areas that support thinking, memory, decision-making, attention, and self-control. — Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 27 Aug. 2026 Playing tug-of-war can also help your dog develop better eye-mouth coordination, build confidence and learn self-control. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-control

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control

Noun

The Houthis appear to have mistaken Saudi restraint for an inability to act.

— Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Hamas, which has been decimated but not yet unseated, has so far shown relative restraint and a willingness to absorb regular hits, including a series of assassinations of its members and regular airstrikes by Israel.

— KHALED ELGINDY, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

With artists from across disciplines bringing traditional forms into dialogue with new media, the selection showcases a new wave of cross-disciplinary experimentation.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Open Air connects fragrance with disciplines ranging from food, music, fashion, design and nightlife to spirituality and social service.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of discipline

Noun

Many visual motifs emerge, most notably the men in the crowd who shed any inhibitions to cry, dance, and belt the songs at the top of their lungs.

— Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
As art and its creators have shed their inhibitions in this post-Sadean world, politicians and cultural commentators have reliably lined up to condemn this total freedom of expression as being dangerous to society.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of inhibition

Noun

The networks were responding in solidarity to repression of a free press.

— Miriam Waldvogel, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
Drawing on personal archives, home videos, footage of street protests, newspapers and recorded voices, the filmmaker pieces together a portrait of a country shaped by political repression and a continuing hope for revolution.

— Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026