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 Vulgarity is not permitted in Abnegation, where self-control is paramount. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026 As the South American and world champions tired, their self-control slipped. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026 The dog has to learn not to be overstimulated because overstimulation unravels self-control. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026 This is a lot about self-control transmuted into wellness as the outlet. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-control

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control

Noun

Andrew Haigh is a master of restraint, a talent that he’s often weaponized against his own creations to beautiful and shattering effect.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026
These two are on the bleeding edge, yet exhibiting more restraint than some others.

— Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

The university, like campuses nationwide, is barred by federal privacy law from discussing individual discipline cases or internal deliberations, even when a student goes public.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Eisenhower possessed iron discipline, sunny self-confidence and a mind that loved organizational challenges.

— John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of discipline

Noun

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
Put inhibitions aside to experience the latest episode of Doc Talk, hosted by John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, Shirley), and Matt Carey, Deadline’s senior documentary editor.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 June 2026

Definition of inhibition

Noun

Frequently subjected to repression and censorship, some of them were excluded from the Association of Visual Artists and thus denied access to state funding, exhibition opportunities, commissions, and official recognition as professional artists.

— Elisa R. Linn, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
To reassert discipline, the Kremlin not only ramped up its use of selective repression but often drew on anti-spying legislation to do so.

— Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026