Synonyms of self-control

self-control

noun

ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl 

1

as in restraint

the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions

toddlers have very little self-control

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restraint
• willpower
• temperance
• self-discipline
• composure
• nerve
• determination
• self-restraint
• self-mastery
• will
• discipline
• self-command
• confidence
• self-government
• self-possession
• continence
• temperateness
• self-containment
• moderation
• assurance
• mastery
• control
• self-denial
• abnegation
• forbearance
• self-abnegation
• avoidance
• abstinence
• self-confidence
• abstention
• soberness
• equanimity
• sobriety
• poise
• moderateness
• coolness
• command
• discretion
• aplomb
• eschewal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indulgence
• gratification
• intemperance
• overindulgence
• excessiveness
• weakness
• vice
• self-indulgence
• failing
• feebleness
• shortcoming
• fault
• frailty
• demerit
• foible
• indiscipline
• unrestraint
• intemperateness
• immoderacy
• unconstraint
• unreserve
• unreservedness

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restraint
• discipline
• inhibition
• repression
• composure
• suppression
• self-restraint
• discretion
• constraint
• self-command
• reserve
• continence
• willpower
• possession
• control
• refrainment
• self-discipline
• mastery
• self-mastery
• will
• self-denial
• silence
• modesty
• distance
• self-government
• aloofness
• bashfulness
• command
• shyness
• self-possession
• reticence
• self-containment
• taciturnity
• self-censorship
• detachedness
• self-poise

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disinhibition
• incontinence
• indulgence
• gratification
• unconstraint
• frankness
• overindulgence
• candor
• bluntness
• uninhibitedness
• intemperance
• self-abandonment
• self-indulgence
• unrestrainedness
• immoderacy

Example Sentences

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