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
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Recent Examples of self-discipline
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
In Aries, a Fire sign that thrives on taking the lead, we’re called to channel our energy into personal goals and self-discipline.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 21 June 2025
When food became more accessible, especially in Western cultures, thinness replaced fullness as a marker of status and self-discipline.
—Anne Marie Chaker, Time, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-discipline
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
In Aries, a Fire sign that thrives on taking the lead, we’re called to channel our energy into personal goals and self-discipline.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 21 June 2025
When food became more accessible, especially in Western cultures, thinness replaced fullness as a marker of status and self-discipline.
—Anne Marie Chaker, Time, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-discipline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-discipline
Noun
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Fanning — a young performer long admired for her precision and emotional intelligence on screen — brings a quiet ache and layered restraint to the role.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
31 Aug. 2025
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Each kaiseki dish reflects a deep understanding of these methods, applied with restraint and purpose.—
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
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And my willpower was often low this year.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
28 Aug. 2025
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The Habit System – Building sustainable daily practices that don't require constant willpower.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
27 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-discipline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-discipline. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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