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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Cornelius Houston will face charges of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit other felony and unlawful restraint, according to Fort Worth jail records.
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Martin's family believes that the long paramedic response time, as well as restraint asphyxia caused by Oakland police officers, caused Martin's death.
Noun
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The conversation was no longer focused on accessibility as a discipline.
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These are professionals who have spent years working alongside some of the best filmmakers in the world and who bring an extraordinary level of expertise, discipline and problem solving to every production.
Noun
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Darkness removes that inhibition and allows the pineal gland to release melatonin.
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The little people are being menaced by a dark force—a force with power, money, and very few moral inhibitions.
Noun
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Advertisement Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership had been battling public anger over economic stress and state repression before the conflict.
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In occupied territories, Russian authorities have repeatedly used repression of religion to impose political control, weaken Ukrainian identity, and force communities into structures loyal to Moscow.
Cite this Entry
“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-control. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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