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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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-restraint
True, Sophie Portnoy possesses none of Bess’s self-restraint, her ability to superimpose limits with the use of little more than a passing gesture, no more than a word or two.
—
Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Ultimately, signatures and self-restraint may be not enough.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is not only the holiest month of the year, but a joyous time for spiritual growth, self-restraint and family gatherings.
—Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
During the eclipse, Scorpios should enjoy themselves, but should try to show self-restraint while the eclipse heightens their feelings and impulsivity.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Ultimately, signatures and self-restraint may be not enough.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is not only the holiest month of the year, but a joyous time for spiritual growth, self-restraint and family gatherings.
—Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
During the eclipse, Scorpios should enjoy themselves, but should try to show self-restraint while the eclipse heightens their feelings and impulsivity.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-restraint
Noun
-
With the world facing profound suffering and division, moral voices calling for peace, restraint and sanctity of human life deserve to be protected and amplified, not condemned.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Initially, the couple was arrested on charges of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree unlawful restraint, intentional cruelty to persons, risk of injury to a minor and conspiracy to commit risk of injury to a minor.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The local school board would decide whether cell phones could be used during after-school activities, and the districts would set their own policies on issues such as discipline for violating the policy, lawmakers said.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Both focus on human achievement, discipline and expression.—
Taylor Haught,
Kansas City Star,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-restraint. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
