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 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 The dog has to learn not to be overstimulated because overstimulation unravels self-control. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026 This is a lot about self-control transmuted into wellness as the outlet. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-control

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control

Noun

Due to the ongoing construction and current facility restraints, Belmont Park will only operate with a capacity of 6,000 during opening weekend and 4,000 after.

— John Dias, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
Perhaps showrunner and co-creator Ian Brennan showed restraint, even foresight, by keeping the Floridian killer out of Season 3’s meta movie storyline.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

Organizations should treat security as the discipline that keeps the business running, with prevention as one of its tools rather than its purpose.

— Maman Ibrahim, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
The Asian Games, first held in 1951 in New Delhi, India, includes 45 countries and regions and 43 sports — many Olympic disciplines and a few regional specialties.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of discipline

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

The worsening economic crisis led to weakness in the labor market, allowing employers to engage in wage repression and leading to further pressure on household incomes.

— Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2026
But there was very real and concentrated state repression against the more militant aspects and members of these movements.

— Maggie McGowan, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026