1
as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
toddlers have very little self-control
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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
Adjust your self-control slowly to build trust.
—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2026
The queen’s impeccable self-control impressed many in Washington.
—
Hadley Hall Meares,
Vanity Fair,
15 Apr. 2026
Limits help develop self-control, responsibility, and decision making.
—
Jose Bolaños,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Her early death, after an illness that the father initially contrives to ignore then notices just in time to capture her desperation in a fine sketch, leaves Mimí utterly disoriented, yearning only to achieve a level of self-control and detachment that will spare him their tumultuous struggle.
—
Tim Parks,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2026
The queen’s impeccable self-control impressed many in Washington.
—
Hadley Hall Meares,
Vanity Fair,
15 Apr. 2026
Limits help develop self-control, responsibility, and decision making.
—
Jose Bolaños,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Her early death, after an illness that the father initially contrives to ignore then notices just in time to capture her desperation in a fine sketch, leaves Mimí utterly disoriented, yearning only to achieve a level of self-control and detachment that will spare him their tumultuous struggle.
—
Tim Parks,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control
Noun
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Cornelius Houston will face charges of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit other felony and unlawful restraint, according to Fort Worth jail records.
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Martin's family believes that the long paramedic response time, as well as restraint asphyxia caused by Oakland police officers, caused Martin's death.
Noun
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Platforms built around incentive capture, funding cost discipline and structural durability are well-positioned to deliver the hedge that households are now actively seeking.
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The Honorary Award is given to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or outstanding service to the Academy.
Noun
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Darkness removes that inhibition and allows the pineal gland to release melatonin.
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The little people are being menaced by a dark force—a force with power, money, and very few moral inhibitions.
Noun
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Anderson Daniel Salcedo Lozano, 22, grew up amid the chaos of the Maduro years, which were marked by long lines for bread and medicine, rising infant mortality, spiraling inflation and the violent repression of protests.
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In Venezuela, where confidence in institutions had already eroded after years of economic collapse and political repression, the earthquake may be accelerating that process.
Cite this Entry
“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-control. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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