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
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Recent Examples of willpower
In a test of her willpower, Janine struggles to continue subduing her innate need to coddle kids.
—
Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
Childhood obesity is not a willpower problem, and the rise of early-onset Alzheimer’s is not a genetic cause.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 6 Mar. 2025
And research shows that maintaining an optimal weight is not about willpower.
—Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Present bias is the trait of being unable to muster the willpower to avoid destructive buy now, pay later behavior.
—Hersh Shefrin, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willpower
Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
Childhood obesity is not a willpower problem, and the rise of early-onset Alzheimer’s is not a genetic cause.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 6 Mar. 2025
And research shows that maintaining an optimal weight is not about willpower.
—Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Present bias is the trait of being unable to muster the willpower to avoid destructive buy now, pay later behavior.
—Hersh Shefrin, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willpower
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willpower
Noun
-
What Happens Next Escalating tensions between India and Pakistan have prompted calls from the U.S. and world powers urging both sides to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic de-escalation.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
-
Drug companies in the U.S. face few restraints on what to charge for their products.—
David Armstrong,
ProPublica,
9 May 2025
Noun
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Even small amounts can damage a child’s brain function, affecting their behavior, IQ and self-control.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
9 May 2025
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He's obviously come a long way in terms of drinking and self-control from that night.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Willpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willpower. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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