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 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 Playing tug-of-war can also help your dog develop better eye-mouth coordination, build confidence and learn self-control. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for self-control

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control

Noun

The stock market remains buoyant; the labor market is robust; most financial conditions indicators continue to show little restraint, either in lending or borrowing.

— Steve Liesman,Matt Peterson, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
Child Passenger Safety Week highlights best practices for choosing car seats and restraints for young children.

— Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

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
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

Definition of inhibition

Noun

Political parties weakened by years of repression and exile need opportunities to rebuild.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026
The connection between these women, the season appears to be saying, is that their violence grew out of abuse, repression, and mistreatment.

— Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026