1
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
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
Using self-control solely to avoid rejection or to mask one’s authentic self can be counterproductive.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
She, too, is tickled by her own sense of perfectionism, and those glimpses of vulnerability were a form of self-control all along.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Everyone in New York City wants to keep this restaurant to themselves, but self-control doesn’t come easy.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Myers took her Seventh Dan exam in July, where she was tested on her form, technique, strength, self-control, knowledge and agility.
—Nicole Stracek, Twin Cities, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
She, too, is tickled by her own sense of perfectionism, and those glimpses of vulnerability were a form of self-control all along.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Everyone in New York City wants to keep this restaurant to themselves, but self-control doesn’t come easy.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Myers took her Seventh Dan exam in July, where she was tested on her form, technique, strength, self-control, knowledge and agility.
—Nicole Stracek, Twin Cities, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control
Noun
-
The civil suit alleged the restraint lasted eight minutes.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Per state guidelines and Ohio Administrative Code, physical restraint must be used as a last resort and only when there is an immediate risk of physical harm to the student or others.—
Grace Tucker,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Dames’ intention is to turn the headquarters into a creative hub and point of convergence of different disciplines, driven by collaborations.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Changing the Kremlin’s understanding of its prospects will require sustained pressure and discipline.—
Jack Watling,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
But do not confuse its indifference for inhibition.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The key is to relax, let go of your inhibitions, and just have fun.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
These syndicates are part of the same criminal economy that funds military airstrikes and repression.—
Kim Aris,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
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There are other signs that Iran’s previously relentless social repression is beginning to relax.—
Arash Azizi,
The Atlantic,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-control. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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