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

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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

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Recent Examples of self-control Dumbphone tools work by making distracting behavior more inconvenient rather than relying on self-control alone. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for self-control

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control

Noun

Amodei pointed to two developments as the reason for more restraint.

— Stephen Pitt-Walker, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Some Democratic lawmakers are already stressing that congressional investigations have to be directly tied to affordability issues, while urging restraint.

— Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

And in a certain way the lapse embodied a vulnerability, discipline, that was supposed to be a point of emphasis on offense this season with the return of Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
Hardware design in days The prototype required Astra to coordinate several engineering disciplines.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of discipline

Noun

In my experience, the involvement of ketamine or other drugs invariably makes a bad situation worse – complicating consent, impairing judgment and reducing inhibitions.

— Christopher P. Holstege, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of inhibition

Noun

First movers are the most vulnerable to state repression, while everyone else can deny sharing the same views.

— Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
Students blamed rampant state corruption, and their mass protests persisted in the face of violent repression.

— Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026