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
Capricorn December 22 – January 19 Excellence is attainable with a great team (and a little self-control).
—
Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
Toddlers are all impulse, no self-control or patience, and in need of instant gratification.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 7 Feb. 2026
Trump, though, lacks both the self-control required to move slowly and the connection to reality required to understand what is and isn’t popular outside his most committed base.
—Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026
Mars in Capricorn reminds us that real strength comes from consistency and self-control.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
Toddlers are all impulse, no self-control or patience, and in need of instant gratification.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 7 Feb. 2026
Trump, though, lacks both the self-control required to move slowly and the connection to reality required to understand what is and isn’t popular outside his most committed base.
—Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026
Mars in Capricorn reminds us that real strength comes from consistency and self-control.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control
Noun
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Maryland’s budget process is designed to promote transparency and fiscal restraint.—
J.B. Jennings,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Feb. 2026
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The verdict signals that prolonged prone restraint during mental health crises is dangerous, potentially changing how juvenile detention centers handle distressed teens.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Within the sport, there are several disciplines, including individual races, sprints and team relays.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
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This year, starting Wednesday, Muslim families will fast from dawn to dusk, and mosques are opening their doors to neighbors each evening, not simply as a ritual but as a reminder that personal discipline and public responsibility are inseparable.—
Irfan Sarwar,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In a race to find out who caused this marital mayhem, emotions will be high, inhibitions will be low, and everyone will have access to an open bar.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2026
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Lepley studies how muscles of the upper leg shut down after a knee injury — a process called muscle inhibition.—
Michal Ruprecht,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The director frames the film as an immersion into the mind of one such figure — shaped by social discontent, inequality and state repression — who triggers revolt to avenge the death of his dog.—
Emiliano De Pablos,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
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Research on Arab diaspora activism documents shows how governments deter dissent through transnational repression.—
Michael Paarlberg,
The Conversation,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-control. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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