Synonyms of self-restraint

self-restraint

noun

ˌself-ri-ˈstrānt 

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

• restraint
• self-control
• willpower
• temperance
• self-discipline
• nerve
• composure
• determination
• will
• self-mastery
• discipline
• self-government
• self-command
• self-possession
• temperateness
• confidence
• continence
• self-containment
• moderation
• assurance
• abnegation
• forbearance
• self-denial
• self-abnegation
• mastery
• abstention
• avoidance
• equanimity
• control
• abstinence
• soberness
• moderateness
• sobriety
• self-confidence
• poise
• coolness
• discretion
• command
• eschewal
• aplomb

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indulgence
• gratification
• overindulgence
• intemperance
• excessiveness
• self-indulgence
• failing
• weakness
• vice
• feebleness
• shortcoming
• fault
• frailty
• demerit
• foible
• unrestraint
• intemperateness
• indiscipline
• immoderacy
• unconstraint
• unreserve
• unreservedness

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restraint
• discipline
• repression
• inhibition
• suppression
• composure
• self-control
• discretion
• constraint
• reserve
• self-command
• continence
• refrainment
• possession
• willpower
• control
• mastery
• self-discipline
• self-mastery
• self-denial
• will
• silence
• self-government
• modesty
• self-censorship
• distance
• reticence
• bashfulness
• aloofness
• command
• taciturnity
• self-possession
• self-containment
• shyness
• detachedness
• self-poise

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incontinence
• disinhibition
• indulgence
• gratification
• unconstraint
• frankness
• candor
• overindulgence
• bluntness
• uninhibitedness
• intemperance
• self-abandonment
• self-indulgence
• unrestrainedness
• immoderacy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of self-restraint

A little self-restraint goes a long way today. — Usa Today, USA Today, 7 May 2026

Eid al-Fitr is a time of renewal after Ramadan's month of spiritual cleansing, self-restraint and contemplation and is a joyous time to spend with friends and family. — C. A. Bridges, Oklahoman, 14 Mar. 2026

For the growing Muslim community in the Bay Area, abstaining from eating or drinking during the day is regarded as an act of worship by practicing self-restraint, growing closer to God and empathizing with people who are poor and hungry. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026

The devout see benefits, including practicing self-restraint, cultivating gratitude and empathizing with people who are poor and hungry. — Mariam Fam, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026