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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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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The ship brings history and perhaps some English restraint to the world’s cruise capital.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
18 Oct. 2025
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D’Angelo understood the ways in which restraint can be infinitely more haunting—and more alluring—than aggression.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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How has intersecting those two disciplines (acting and music) been like when creating the album’s concept?—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
21 Oct. 2025
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Beyond Film serves as a community hub for attendees, offering artist discussions, conversations with filmmakers and experts from various disciplines, and opportunities for audience engagement.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-restraint. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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