SELF-CONTROL Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

self-control

noun

ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl

Definition of self-control next

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

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

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 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 People frequently think of self-control as something that requires willpower—the effort of giving up some immediate pleasure for a long-term goal. —

Francine Russo, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2026 Holding back a child can be a good option to allow children extra time to develop self-control and self-regulation skills vital for the classroom, said Stanford professor Thomas Dee, who has studied red-shirting. —

Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-control

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control

Noun

The deputies had differing opinions on whether Adair had become compliant during the restraint.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
On their third album, Cost of Living Adjustment, Cola have embraced, if not maximalism, then at least letting go of restraint.

— David Glickman, Pitchfork, 7 May 2026