1
as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
toddlers have very little self-control
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Adjust your self-control slowly to build trust.
—
Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
The queen’s impeccable self-control impressed many in Washington.
—Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 15 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
The queen’s impeccable self-control impressed many in Washington.
—Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 15 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control
Noun
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Both dishes were perfectly prepared al dente and sauced with restraint, unlike many Italian-American eateries.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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As the broader fashion landscape moves away from restraint and toward self-expression, wedding guest dressing is evolving alongside it.—
Lauren Fisher,
Footwear News,
28 May 2026
Noun
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My professional experience spans multiple disciplines, including serving as a police officer, a business owner and a licensed therapist, which provides me with a well-rounded and versatile skill set.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
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The channels will carry soccer, cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling and combat sports including boxing, among other disciplines.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 May 2026
Noun
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Amy Lawrence pointed out that, while Arsenal possess that type of player, there is a level of inhibition.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
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Alcohol relieves social inhibition.—
Jonathan Avery,
STAT,
11 May 2026
Noun
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The pic about decades of political repression in Iran won the L’Oeil d’or Prize today, which is the fest’s top award for docs.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
22 May 2026
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Simultaneously, the setting itself becomes a kind of haunting character, as a living ecosystem of repression and collective denial help propel Pennywise toward his depraved goal.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-control. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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