1
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
2
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-control
These foods have also been found to reduce gray matter volume, impairing self-control.
—
New Atlas, 13 Sep. 2025
Everyone in New York City wants to keep this restaurant to themselves, but self-control doesn’t come easy.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Myers took her Seventh Dan exam in July, where she was tested on her form, technique, strength, self-control, knowledge and agility.
—Nicole Stracek, Twin Cities, 8 Sep. 2025
Amazon’s prices move faster than self-control, so don’t wait.
—PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-control
New Atlas, 13 Sep. 2025
Everyone in New York City wants to keep this restaurant to themselves, but self-control doesn’t come easy.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Myers took her Seventh Dan exam in July, where she was tested on her form, technique, strength, self-control, knowledge and agility.
—Nicole Stracek, Twin Cities, 8 Sep. 2025
Amazon’s prices move faster than self-control, so don’t wait.
—PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control
Noun
-
On multiple occasions, Johnson has pointed the blame at those who flee police and credited officers with showing restraint in pursuits.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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Those charges include four counts each of counterfeiting−delivery/possession of property and knowingly selling counterfeit, nonfunctional or noncompliant supplemental restraint systems.—
Christina Hall,
Freep.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Advertisement The Manning brothers' presence as executive producers ensured Chad Powers wasn't just a comedy about rebuilding but a football story rooted in preparation and discipline, down to the accuracy of Powell’s shotgun snaps.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
30 Sep. 2025
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The discipline followed the coaches' backing of Reeve and their vocal criticisms of officials.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Maintaining the correct proportion of excitation to inhibition is critical for keeping the brain healthy and harmonious.—
Yasemin Saplakoglu,
Quanta Magazine,
29 Sep. 2025
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This also supports the idea that swearing can momentarily activate mental states that reduce inhibition and allow the body and mind to perform at a higher level.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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From reform to repression Vučić’s reaction to the protests and his cozying up to leaders of Russia and China reveal how the Serbian leader’s politics have changed.—
Hanna Begić,
The Conversation,
29 Sep. 2025
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There is still a way to stop such repression.—
Patrick Eddington,
Oc Register,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-control. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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