1
as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
she demonstrated an almost unnatural self-restraint during the fight
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
we must practice self-restraint even with people who are deliberately rude
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Recent Examples of self-restraint
These acts reflect a different ontology of leadership grounded in trust, self-restraint, and the belief that honour is an essential character trait for high office.
—
Dave Winsborough, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
This holy month is a time for self-restraint with focus on the spiritual, as well as being charitable and empathizing with those who may not have access to food or shelter.
—Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
In terms of self-restraint, aidos can mean modesty and regard for others.
—Lewis Hyde, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025
In China's view, this is another kind of self-restraint.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
Dave Winsborough, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
This holy month is a time for self-restraint with focus on the spiritual, as well as being charitable and empathizing with those who may not have access to food or shelter.
—Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
In terms of self-restraint, aidos can mean modesty and regard for others.
—Lewis Hyde, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025
In China's view, this is another kind of self-restraint.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-restraint
Noun
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While objecting to restraints, Robinson’s attorneys agree with the sheriff that the court should limit or ban video and photographic coverage of proceedings.—
Stepheny Price , Melissa Chrise,
FOXNews.com,
24 Oct. 2025
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To complement the architecture’s rigor, the current owners turned to designer André Mellone of Studio Mellone, known for his elegant restraint and understanding of proportion.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Our City Council and mayor need a class in Economics 101 and fiscal discipline to make hard decisions at City Hall.—
Letters To The Editor,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Nov. 2025
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Chaikesh learned to conceptualize and think of AI not as a black box (as in, an obtuse system where users can’t follow its internal logic) but as a discipline grounded in clarity and fundamentals.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-restraint. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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