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
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
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
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
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
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
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-restraint
Noun
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Maryland’s budget process is designed to promote transparency and fiscal restraint.—
J.B. Jennings,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Feb. 2026
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The verdict signals that prolonged prone restraint during mental health crises is dangerous, potentially changing how juvenile detention centers handle distressed teens.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This season, Vonn historically won two more downhill races – becoming the oldest World Cup race winner ever – and leads the season World Cup standings in the discipline.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
3 Feb. 2026
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Then Goodell pumped the brakes on a full investigation of the matter and on Tisch possibly facing discipline under the league’s personal conduct policy.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-restraint. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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