as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
trying to summon the willpower to resist buying any more books before finishing the unread ones I already have
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 willpower
Think of me as your tech buddy who’s out here spending her time, energy, and, honestly, a bit of willpower finding the best deals for you.
—
Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
One of the first clues that the conventional wisdom about willpower was wrong came in 2015.
—Francine Russo, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2026
For decades, psychologists believed willpower would help people get better grades in school, establish healthier diets, gain successful careers and more.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 12 Mar. 2026
No amount of willpower or motivational self-talk can quiet a mind that automatically runs through every worst-case scenario.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for willpower
Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
One of the first clues that the conventional wisdom about willpower was wrong came in 2015.
—Francine Russo, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2026
For decades, psychologists believed willpower would help people get better grades in school, establish healthier diets, gain successful careers and more.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 12 Mar. 2026
No amount of willpower or motivational self-talk can quiet a mind that automatically runs through every worst-case scenario.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for willpower
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willpower
Noun
-
The plaintiffs asked the court Wednesday for either a stay or preliminary injunction that would restore the previous restraints.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
No damage to the technical facility has been reported yet, but UN nuclear officials have called for restraint and warned of a nuclear accident.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The queen’s impeccable self-control impressed many in Washington.—
Hadley Hall Meares,
Vanity Fair,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Limits help develop self-control, responsibility, and decision making.—
Jose Bolaños,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Willpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willpower. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
