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 Dumbphone tools work by making distracting behavior more inconvenient rather than relying on self-control alone. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026 Sports bettors are therefore adults, and the law generally expects adults to possess greater maturity and self-control than minors. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The Greeks had a word for this The Greeks did not just casually worry about self-control. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for self-control

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control

Noun

Kitchen also had to develop a little more restraint — something that doesn't always come naturally in a sport where riders are constantly pushing the limits of speed and control.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Sullivan faces two counts of first-degree kidnapping and a single count each of first-degree assault, first-degree unlawful restraint and intentional cruelty to persons.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

And his prescription is tighter discipline — a major theme of the four day party meeting.

— Andy Browne, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Law enforcement and schools districts continually urge parents to warn their children of the consequences of making false or written threats, including facing a felony charge and school discipline.

— Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of discipline

Noun

In my experience, the involvement of ketamine or other drugs invariably makes a bad situation worse – complicating consent, impairing judgment and reducing inhibitions.

— Christopher P. Holstege, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026
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