as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
it takes self-discipline not to yell out when someone makes you angry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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-discipline
Over the past four decades, he’s transformed how people around the world approach time management, productivity, self-discipline, and goal setting.
—
Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Martial arts or yoga might be tools for self-discipline.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2025
The couple believed that meeting the challenges of flight training — in addition to learning to fly a plane — teaches self-discipline, builds character and develops self-confidence.
—Cyril A. Reinicke, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2025
Molineaux’s passion for self-discipline and mental resilience is central to his philosophy.
—Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-discipline
Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Martial arts or yoga might be tools for self-discipline.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2025
The couple believed that meeting the challenges of flight training — in addition to learning to fly a plane — teaches self-discipline, builds character and develops self-confidence.
—Cyril A. Reinicke, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2025
Molineaux’s passion for self-discipline and mental resilience is central to his philosophy.
—Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-discipline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-discipline
Noun
-
Cox also called for restraint in reaction to Kirk’s assassination, noting that residents of Utah did not riot or loot or engage in violence, and instead held vigils and said prayers.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Despite efforts by the Biden administration to constrain the spyware market through its executive order, trade and visa restrictions, and sanctions, the industry has continued to operate largely without restraint.—
Vas Panagiotopoulos,
ArsTechnica,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
That change, according to psychologist Sula Windgassen, may have less to do with willpower and more to do with how the brain manages stress amid different temperatures.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
-
My hand twitched toward the phone, muscle memory stronger than willpower.—
Maggie Downs,
Oc Register,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-discipline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-discipline. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share